TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Electric scooters. They're the latest trend in public transportation and they'll be coming to Tallahassee this summer.
Wednesday night, city commissioners talked about an electric scooter pilot program that, once implemented, will be in place for three months.
City commissioners introduced an ordinance that sets parameters for this motorized scooter pilot program. It also explains the requirements for riding and parking as well as enforcement.
Earlier this year, the Florida Legislature passed a bill to regulate "micro-mobility devices" like these e-scooters. This bill explains that scooter operators have the same rights and responsibilities as bicyclists, though local governments can regulate where these scooters can be ridden.
City commissioners have not yet decided where where the scooter parking will be, or where they will be allowed to be ridden.
"What we're trying to determine right now is where is the safest place for them. We have multi-use trails. Some sidewalks are wider than others. Some places we have bike lanes," said Jeremy Matlow, a Tallahassee city commissioner. "It's new to everybody, so we're trying to work through the best way to use them. It's a three month pilot program, so we'll find out what works."
At the end of the three month program, commissioners will meet once again to determine if these e-scooters work for the city, and how the residents felt about them.
There is a chance that this pilot program could be extended another three months in the fall. That will be decided at a later date.
For those who are interested in having their voiced heard, there will be a single public hearing on the matter on June 19 at 6 p.m. at the Smith Williams Service Center. As of now, the scooters are expected to arrive in town by mid-July.
