Scooter Companies Convene Advisory Groups to Promote Safety

Sarah Holder reports that the scooter company Lime now has a Public Policy and Safety Advisory Board. "The group, which convened for the first time at a safety summit in San Francisco, is tasked with determining what research and policy initiatives to pursue, what regulations to advocate for, and how to generally smooth the company’s sometimes-bumpy relationships with cities, riders, and riders-to-be."

The board—which includes public safety, consumer safety, and transportation experts—will work on projects to educate riders, provide guidance around local regulations, and increase transportation equity. Holder notes that Bird has had its own Global Safety Advisory Board in place for almost a year.

"Lime’s announcement reflects a growing acknowledgement within the e-scooter rental industry that safety concerns present a major barrier to mass adoption," says Holder. While Lime has already distributed free helmets, upgraded its scooters, and rolled out rider education initiatives, it sees the advisory board as a way to further encourage the shift away from cars to other transportation modes.