E-scooters about to make a comeback in Raleigh
Another way to easily get around Raleigh is making a comeback.
Later this summer, you’ll see more electric scooters around The City of Oaks. Raleigh is negotiating agreements with three companies to bring them back after a hiatus.
Several years ago, the city had contracts with major companies but ultimately decided to get rid of them. In 2019, Bird and Lime ceased operations in Raleigh because of "burdensome regulations." A spokesman for Lime went so far as to say Raleigh wanted to impose "some of the most onerous regulations in the country."
For now, the three companies in discussions with Raleigh have not been announced. Contracts have been sent, and scooters are expected to be on the ground soon.
The scooters allow riders to reserve them on a mobile app and pay based on how long they are used.
"Yes, we want this technology, yes, we want these products, let’s be a leader in this industry," said Raleigh city council member Jonathan Melton.
Melton was appointed to the transportation transit committee in 2019 and felt getting them back was a top priority. It was a strong effort with support from most. But then COVID-19 hit, and the project was put on hold.
This time, it comes with new guidelines and a fresh start.
Melton said the challenge behind the scooters is regulating their use and ensuring they’re parked in the right places and being ridden in the right areas.
Raleigh resident Chris Rinehart agrees it's important that the scooters not be left out in the open in random places.
"We’d like to see a little bit more order with the electric scooters so they’re not just all over the place," Rinehart said.
Melton likes the idea of less car-based transportation, available to everyone.
"Getting people around to where they need to go in a safe, affordable manner that doesn’t require them to get in their cars is what we’re focused on," Melton said.
