Electric scooters will be extended for an additional six months throughout the city of Tallahassee. Initially a three-month program that started in July, it includes motorized bicycles and scooters as mobility options. With a report of more than 60,000 rides during the program’s first two months, city commissioners said they would like more time to review how beneficial this program will be with college students back in town.
City commissioners said at their meeting last week that they will maintain a total of five vendors and has requested a fifth. The program will continue to allow up to 1,000 scooters.
Isaiah Smith, a criminal justice major at FAMU, said, “They go pretty fast that I would consider wearing a helmet. I watched two students fall off their scooters.” Not all consumers have adjusted to the speed of these devices and personal safety is of high concern.
The community has expressed concerns regarding falls and scooter-related injuries. The city of Tallahassee is aware of these safety liabilities and will be looking for methods to improve safety for users.
Scooters are not allowed on any campus. One can find a scooter near the vicinity and register using their mobile device. Cascades Park, College Town and downtown are additional locations many scooters for finding and renting e-scooters.
“I do not think there are any return ports, so you are kind of just forced to leave them wherever they stop,” said Darius Miller, a sophomore criminal justice major, after two successful rides. Residents have said that the e-scooters are a fun activity for exploring the city. The e-scooters have provided a new trend, which the city may consider adopting.
A few regulations are not wearing headphones and to avoid drinking and riding. E-scooters can be used on sidewalks, bike lanes, and on the roadway but riders must follow the same rules as cyclists. A driver can be charged with a DUI while riding an e-scooter.
Scooters have been found in ponds and several homeowners’ lawns. Although it is up to companies to restock their scooters, representatives from these companies have reached out to the public and requested that locals report any vandalism being committed to their property.
Amber Richardson, a freshman at the College of Engineering, said, “I find the scooters more convenient when traveling small distances and eliminates the need to walk.”
To unlock a ride, download the app and simply walk up to activate. The price varies on the distance. It is $1 to unlock a scooter and an additional 15 cents a minute.