The Florida League of Cities calls on the Florida Legislature to allow cities to exercise their authority to regulate micromobility devices and share programs, such as e-scooters, in order to protect public safety.
- Injuries are on the rise. There have been more than 1,500 injuries and four deaths related to e-scooter accidents in the U.S. since late 2017, according to Consumer Reports. They include broken bones, fractures, blunt head trauma, even brain injuries.
- The clutter caused by these discarded devices has fiscal consequences. Businesses that use sidewalks for sales displays and al fresco dining complain that e-scooters not in use are causing sidewalk clutter that blocks pedestrian traffic, deters customers and affects their bottom line.
- Local agreements are working – why disrupt it? Several cities have negotiated agreements with industry representatives, residents and business owners to address local concerns. Some cities have incorporated them into a dockless bike share program, others have limited the number of units based on resident population, created scooter free zones or established a pilot program to learn more. These local solutions are unique to the desires and needs of each community.
- Local regulations protect residents and tourists. When a festival, parade, conference or other event comes to town, so do people. Areas that are normally e-scooter friendly might need to be temporarily restricted to protect pedestrians. Keeping regulations local gives cities the flexibility they need to respond to changing circumstances.