San Diego To Consider Tightening Regulations on E-Scooters

After a surge in their popularity during the pandemic, San Diego’s rental e-scooters may see a dramatic decrease in their fleet. “In August 2021, NBC 7 reported a post-pandemic surge of 49% in the number of permitted motorized scooters.” Now, as reported by Artie Ojeda, “Under the rules proposed last week by the council’s Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the number of operators could be significantly reduced to as few as two.” Additionally, “Chosen companies would be required to pay an annual $20,000 fee in addition to $0.75 a day per device. The number of devices would be capped at 8,000.”

To address concerns about sidewalk riding and use of public space, “Other rules would allow no more than four devices to be parked in a city striped corral. Scooters would not be allowed on sidewalks.” According to the article, “the proposed regulations are designed to make operators more accountable by requiring more data on self-enforcement.”

Operators of the micromobility devices have expressed support for the proposed regulations. The article quotes Sara Dodrill of Spin saying, “More regulation on operators allows us to continue investing in the infrastructure, technological, and operational innovations needed to make high quality and affordable shared micromobility services for San Diego residents and visitors.”