HomeMy WebLinkAboutRvw Best Practices of Shared Motorized Scooter PgrmContract No. C38050
STAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
MEETING DATE: January 24, 2019
PREPARED BY: Christopher Gerry, Management Analyst
REQUEST: Review best practices of shared motorized scooter programs, and
authorize City staff to negotiate a draft agreement with Spin to operate
a pilot program.
Recommendation
1. Receive and file presentation on best practices of shared motorized scooter programs.
2. Authorize City staff to negotiate a draft agreement with Spin to operate a Shared
Motorized Scooter Pilot Program.
Strateqic Plan
Alternative transportation such as shared motorized scooters are supported by priorities listed
under the Transportation mini -vision of the Strategic Plan, including:
Priority 3 — De-emphasize single/low-occupancy vehicles and optimize multiple modes
of travel (bus, carpool, golf cart, bicycle, and pedestrian).
Background Analvsis
On December 13, 2018, the City Council adopted an urgency ordinance to prohibit mobility
sharing in Palm Desert. Mobility sharing refers to providing non -motorized and motorized
bicycles and scooters to residents and visitors for rent via self-service portals, applications,
or other methods. The urgency ordinance also includes language that allows for a pilot
program if the City Council chooses to implement such a program.
While discussing this agenda item, the City Council requested additional information on the
best practices of shared motorized scooters before considering a pilot program. There were
also comments to consider a pilot program from February 1, 2019, through April 30, 2019.
The staff report and amended urgency ordinance can be found as Attachment A.
State Law
On September 19, 2018, the State of California enacted new laws regarding motorized
scooters. Assembly Bill No. 2989 amended Section 21235 of the California Vehicle Code,
which includes, but is not limited to, the following new laws:
January 24, 2019
Shared Motorized Scooters
Page 2 of 5
• A motorized scooter cannot operate on a roadway with a speed limit in excess of 25
miles per hour (mph), unless within a Class II bike lane or Class IV bikeway.
• A motorized scooter may operate on a roadway with a speed limit greater than 25
mph, but less than 35 mph if authorized via ordinance or resolution by the City Council.
• A motorized scooter cannot operate upon a sidewalk, except as necessary to enter or
leave adjacent property.
• A motorized scooter cannot be placed laying on its side on a sidewalk, or be parked
on a sidewalk in any other position that obstructs a pedestrian's path of travel.
• No person under 18 years of age shall operate a motorized scooter without a properly
fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
• No person without a valid driver's license or instruction permit shall operate a
motorized scooter.
Please note that under a separate State law (Vehicle Code 22411) no person shall operate a
motorized scooter at a speed in excess of 15 mph. Finally, motorized scooter routes in Palm
Desert that are consistent with State law can be found as Attachment A.
Request for Qualifications/Proposals
In order to understand best practices within the industry, particularly how a pilot program may
operate in Palm Desert, City staff issued a request for qualifications/proposals (RFQ/P) for a
Shared Motorized Scooter Pilot Program. City staff received five proposals from operators,
including Bird, Lime, Spin, VeoRide, and Jump. Based on these proposals, City staff gained
valuable insight into criteria for considering a pilot program, including:
Hours of Operation: The hours of operation vary depending on the operator. Some
operators have set hours that shared motorized scooters are available to the public
(e.g., 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and some operate 24 hours a day. Operators with set
hours remove motorized scooters in the evening and redistribute (rebalance) them in
the morning. City staff recommends limiting the hours of operation to ensure shared
motorized scooters are evaluated and rebalanced daily.
Battery Charqinq: All shared motorized scooters are operated by battery, which needs
staffing in order to charge them appropriately. Shared motorized scooters may be
charged at an operator's facility, switching the battery onsite, or by hiring residents as
independent contractors to charge at their desired locations. City staff recommends
shared motorized scooters be charged at an operator's facility or that the batteries be
switched onsite. This recommendation helps ensure that shared motorized scooters
are only charged centrally by the operator's staff.
January 24, 2019
Shared Motorized Scooters
Page 3 of 5
Rebalancing: Since shared motorized scooters generally offer the freedom to travel
anywhere within a particular area, there is a continual need for an operator to
"rebalance" them. Rebalancing is the act of physically moving a shared motorized
scooter from one location to another for the intended purpose of increasing ridership.
Shared motorized scooters are also rebalanced after they are recharged. Shared
motorized scooters may be rebalanced by the operator's staff, hiring residents as
independent contractors to rebalance them, or a hybrid option. City staff recommends
an operator's staff rebalance the shared motorized scooters.
Prohibited Areas: All operators have the ability to create "geo-fenced" or prohibited
areas of operation. Penalties for operating a shared motorized scooter in a prohibited
area includes warnings, fines, or account suspension/deletion for repeated offenses.
Some operators can design areas where a shared motorized scooter will gradually
(safely) power down when entering a prohibited area. City staff recommends
collaborating with an operator and community stakeholders on identifying prohibited
areas. In addition, City staff recommends the practice of powering down a shared
motorized scooter when operating in a prohibited area. This recommendation helps
ensure that shared motorized scooters only operate in allowable areas.
• Parkinq Areas: All operators have the ability to regulate parking by the creation of
parking areas. These areas encourage parking in a concentrated and orderly fashion.
However, restricting shared motorized scooters to parking only in designated areas
will decrease ridership. City staff recommends collaborating with an operator and
community stakeholders on identifying areas that should require parking areas.
• Revenue Sharinq: With one exception, all operators have a component of revenue
sharing with respective jurisdictions. Revenue sharing models include a flat fee, a fee
per vehicle per month, or a per -trip fee. City staff recommends that an operator provide
some sort of mutually acceptable revenue sharing component.
• Data Sharinq: All operators collect and share data from shared motorized scooters.
Data points include, but are not limited to, trip origins and destinations, trip lengths and
routes, user sign-ups, parking -rating data, maintenance records, rebalancing records,
and customer support records. The data received has value in understanding mobility
behaviors in Palm Desert.
• Community Outreach: All operators conduct various levels of community outreach.
Activities include, but are not limited to, community events, local safety awareness
campaigns, neighborhood ride-alongs, etc. City staff recommends an operator hold
and/or participate in various community outreach events. In addition, an operator must
conduct outreach with the business community.
• Scooter Deployment: All operators recommended an initial deployment ranging from
100 to 200 scooters. Most operators will evaluate the deployment volume based upon
January 24, 2019
Shared Motorized Scooters
Page 4 of 5
utilization metrics; likewise, the operators anticipate an increase in volume during the
pilot program. City staff recommends allowing up to 200 scooters for a pilot program.
Recommended Practices
Based upon best practices, City staff recommends the following guidelines if the City Council
is interested in initiating a pilot program.
• Hours of Operation: Limited hours (e.g., 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
• Battery Charainq: Charged at a Palm Desert facility managed by the operator's staff
(not independent contractors).
• Rebalancing: At minimum rebalanced every morning and removed every evening to a
Palm Desert facility by operator's staff (not independent contractors).
• Prohibited Areas: Ability to create geo-fenced areas and power down shared motorized
scooters when entering in prohibited areas.
• Parkinq Areas: Establish a healthy balance of parking areas where there is likely a
larger concentration of shared motorized scooters and adjacent to retail areas as well.
• Revenue Sharing: Negotiate a fee structure according to an operator's revenue sharing
model (e.g., flat fee, fee per vehicle per month, or per -trip fee).
• Communitv Outreach: Conduct community outreach that includes, but is not limited to,
the business community. A detailed community outreach plan is required.
• Scooter Deglovment: Deploy up to 200 shared motorized scooters at any given time
during the pilot program.
Shared Motorized Scooter Pilot Proqram
As previously mentioned, City staff conducted a comprehensive evaluation of proposals in
order to develop recommended practices. The proposal provided by the operator known as
Spin was the only proposal strongly aligns with the recommended practices. If the City
Council is interested in initiating a pilot program, City staff can negotiate a draft agreement
with Spin to operate the Shared Motorized Scooter Pilot Program. Subsequently, the draft
agreement can be available for City Council consideration on February 14, 2019.
January 24, 2019
Shared Motorized Scooters
Page 5 of 5
LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL REVIEW CITY MANAGER
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Robert W. Hargreaves Lauri Aylaian Janet Moore Lauri Aylaian
City Attorney City Manager Director of Finance City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Staff Report and Amended Urgency Ordinance (December 13, 2018)
B. Motorized Scooter Routes
Attachment A
Staff Report and Amended Urgency Ordinance (December 13, 2018)
STAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
MEETING DATE: December 13, 2018
PREPARED BY: Lauri Aylaian, City Manager
REQUEST: Urgency ordinance to prohibit mobility sharing services until the City
has an opportunity to review and develop regulations
Recommendation
Waive further reading and adopt Urgency Ordinance No..1344 prohibiting
mobility sharing services until the City has an opportunity to review and develop
regulations.
Strategic Plan
Sufficient time is needed to evaluate and develop a program to address mobility sharing
services; however, these transportation alternatives are supported by priorities listed
under the Transportation mini -vision of the Strategic Plan, including:
1. Priority 3 — De-emphasize single/low-occupancy vehicles and optimize multiple
modes of travel (bus, carpool, golf cart, bicycle, and pedestrian).
Background Analvsis
The "mobility sharing" industry provides non -motorized and motorized bicycles and
scooters to residents and visitors (users) for rent via self-service portals, applications, or
other methods. These services complement traditional non -vehicular transportation
options, especially for users who desire first and last mile connections from the local
transit network to their respective destinations. Other benefits of mobility sharing services
include increased modes of transportation; reduced vehicle emissions; increased public
health benefits; reduced congestion and fuel consumption; and increased financial
savings for users.
These types of services have been gaining in popularity nationally over a relatively short
duration. For example, modem mobility sharing services first occurred in this country
(Washington, D.C.) approximately 10 years ago. Fast forward, according to a report by
the National Association of City Transportation Officials, over 35 million mobility sharing
trips took place nationally just last calendar year alone.
December 13, 2018
Mobility Sharing Services
Page 2 of 2
However, jurisdictions nationally are now experiencing operations of unauthorized
mobility sharing services. To explain, mobility sharing operators have been introducing
"dockless" systems within the public right of way without consulting with the respective
jurisdictions. These dockless systems allow users to rent non -motorized and motorized
bicycles and scooters from locations in the public right of way or private property using a
smartphone application.
More recently, the City of Palm Springs experienced unauthorized mobility sharing
services within its public right of way. Without notice, a mobility sharing operator left more
than 100 electric scooters in the downtown area of Palm Springs. As a result, the City of
Palm Springs issued a cease and desist letter to the mobility sharing operator and
subsequently confiscated electric scooters that were not removed by the operator. The
Palm Springs City Council anticipates receiving input from residents and their downtown
merchants before identifying regulations.
Under the current business model of certain mobility sharing operators, unauthorized
dockless systems may cause serious and significant impacts to public health, safety, and
welfare, including, but not limited to, unauthorized use of sidewalks and streets,
unpermitted obstructions and encroachments on public and private property, increased
volume of collisions, and increased risk of injury to pedestrians and damage to property.
Notwithstanding, City staff desires to evaluate potentially suitable areas for use of mobility
sharing services within Palm Desert, as well as mobility sharing services of other
jurisdictions in anticipation of recommending regulations to City Council that encourage
alternative transportation and promote the safety and general welfare of the City, its
residents and visitors. As a result, City staff recommends adopting the attached ordinance
that prohibits mobility sharing services until the City has an opportunity to review and
develop regulations. Draft regulations will be presented for City Council consideration in
the future. Finally, please note that as of the time of preparation of this report there are
no authorized or unauthorized mobility sharing services currently operating in Palm
Desert.
LEGAL REVIEW
WA
Robert W. Hargreaves
City attorney
ATTACHMENTS:
DEPT. REVIEW
Lauri Aylaian
City Manager
Ordinance No. 1344
FINANCIAL REVIEW CITY MANAGER
N/P'
Janet Moore
Director of Finance
Lauri Aylaian
City Manager
URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 1344
ftm AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT,
CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 10.99, INCLUDING SECTIONS
10.99.010., 10.99.020, AND 10.99.030, TO TITLE 10 OF THE PALM
DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT MOBILITY SHARING
SERVICES UNTIL THE CITY HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW AND
DEVELOP REGULATIONS.
WHEREAS, other cities have recently experienced operations of unauthorized
mobility sharing services, whereby non -motorized or motorized bicycles or scooters are
available to residents and visitors for rent via self-service portals, applications, or other
methods; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert (City) desires to evaluate mobility sharing
services of other cities in anticipation of recommending regulations that encourage active
transportation and promote the safety and general welfare of the City, its residents and
visitors; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has therefore determined that unauthorized mobility
sharing services may cause serious and significant impacts to public health, safety, and
welfare, including, but not limited to, unauthorized use of sidewalks and streets,
unpermitted obstructions and encroachments on public and private properties, increased
traffic congestion and collision, and potential for injuries to persons and property; and
WHEREAS, the City Council therefore desires to immediately prohibit the
operation of unauthorized mobility sharing services in the city, unless and until authorized
and permitted by future action of the City Council; and
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT,
CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. DECLARATION OF URGENCY. The City Council finds the recitals set forth
above are true and correct and hereby adopts and incorporates the recitals herein as
findings in support of this ordinance. Pursuant to Government Code section 36937(b), the
City Council hereby declares the unauthorized operation of mobility sharing services in
the City will result in significant and immediate adverse impacts to City residents, visitors,
businesses, public and private property, including impacts on traffic and congestion,
unpermitted encroachment on property and the public right-of-way, and potential for
serious harm to riders and pedestrians alike. As such, this ordinance prohibits mobility
sharing services, including, but not limited to, non -motorized or motorized bicycles and
scooters, unless and until authorized and permitted by future action of the City Council,
in order to preserve the public peace, health, or safety. Therefore, this ordinance is hereby
declared an urgency ordinance to take effect immediately upon adoption by a four -fifths
(4/5) vote of the City Council.
two
URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 1344
SECTION 2. AMENDMENT. Title 10 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code is hereby
amended to add Chapter 10.99 titled, "Mobility Sharing Services," to read as follows: 3
Chapter 10.99 Mobility Sharing Services.
Section 10.99.010. Definitions.
A. "Shared scooter" means any motorized device with handlebars and floorboard
that is designed to be stood upon when riding and that is intended to be used
in a mobility sharing program, as defined below. The motor of the shared
scooter may have any type of power source. This device may also have a driver
seat that does not interfere with the ability of the rider to stand and ride, and
may be designed to be powered by human propulsion. A motorcycle, as defined
in Section 400 of the California Vehicle Code, a motor -driven cycle, as defined
in Section 405 of the California Vehicle Code, or a motorized bicycle or moped,
as defined in Section 406 of the California Vehicle Code, are not shared
scooters. An Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device as defined in Section
313 of the California Vehicle Code is not a shared scooter.
B. "Shared bicycle" means a bicycle, tricycle, quadricycle or similar device with
any number of wheels that is propelled by a motor with any type of power
source and/or by human propulsion, that is designed to be shared by unrelated
members of the public as part of a mobility sharing program and that may be
locked or secured from unauthorized use without being locked or secured to a
bicycle rack or other object.
C. "Mobility sharing program" means a system whereby shared scooters, shared
bicycles, or similar devices are available to residents and visitors for rent via
self-service portals, applications, or other methods, to use on public or private
properties.
D. "Mobility sharing operator" means a person, business, or entity that manages
a mobility sharing program.
Section 10.99.020. Prohibition.
A. Any mobility sharing program is prohibited within the city, with the exception of
a pilot program, should the City Council choose to implement one.
Section 10.99.030. Removal and Impoundment.
A. The City shall remove and impound any shared scooter, shared bicycle, or
similar device available through a mobility sharing program that is found in the
public right of way. 3
K
URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 13"
B. The City may dispose of an impounded shared scooter, shared bicycle, or
similar device available through a mobility sharing program if unclaimed by the
�- mobility sharing operator after thirty (30) days from the impoundment date.
SECTION 3. COMPLIANCE WITH CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.
Under the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
Section 15061(b)(3), this ordinance is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only
to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
Where it can be seen with certainty, there is no possibility the activity in question may
have a significant effect on the environment, such as the adoption of the regulations
contained herein to preserve the current public health and safety, the activity is not subject
to CEQA.
SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY. This ordinance shall not be interpreted in any manner to
conflict with controlling provisions of state or federal law, including, without limitation, the
Constitution of the State of California. If any section, subsection, or clause of this
ordinance shall be deemed to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the validity of the
remaining sections, subsections, and clauses shall not be affected thereby. Therefore,
this ordinance is declared severable.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall become effective immediately
upon passage and adoption by a four -fifths (4/5) vote of City Council, pursuant to
Government Code section 36937(b), as an urgency ordinance necessary to immediately
�. protect the public welfare, health, and safety.
SECTION 6. NOTICE OF ADOPTION. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this
ordinance and cause it, or a summary of it, to be published once in a newspaper of
general circulation printed and published within the City.
•r
3
URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 1344
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 13th day of December 2018, by the City
Council of the City of Palm Desert, California by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: HARNIK, JONATHAN, KELLY, NESTANDE, and WEBER
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ATTEST:
IRA ELL D. KLASSEN, ITY CLE K
TY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
�a'('::�(-2-C)kS
4
SUSAN MARIE WEBER, MAYOR
III
Attachment B
Motorized Scooter Routes
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Klassen, Rachelle
From: Stanley, Jane
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 4:34 PM
To: Klassen, Rachelle
Cc: Gerry, Christopher
Subject: FW: Scooters - For Palm Desert City Council Members
From: E Marcus [mailto:emarcusbiz@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 4:29 PM
To: CityhallMail <Cityhall@cityofpalmdesert.org>
Subject: Scooters - For Palm Desert City Council Members
Please forward this email to the Mayor and City Council Members and include Chris Gerry.
httt)s://www.latimes.com/la-me-abcarian-scooters-2018072-story.html
My recommendation is to BAN scooters from the City of Palm Desert for safety concerns.
The problem is going to be people using them on sidewalks and dumping them all over town.
The other problem is safety issues with traffic and that Palm Desert is overloaded enforcing existing ordinances, such as
pedestrian safety and drunk driving, let alone adding a whole new category.
Please review what measures are being taken by scooter companies in other cities to provide for ordinance compliance, safety
compliance and scooters not being left on sidewalks and private property.
The scooter companies have demonstrated that they have NO regard for rules, regulations, laws, or fines.
Thank you,
Ellie Marcus
Cities crack down on electric scooter scofflaws, while trying to untangle the chaos of a ne... Page 1 of 6
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New signs at the beach in Santa Monica warn elertr is scooter riders to stay ,,•fm 0*f6re5tWd f �a-If I
Monica)
This is the summer of the electric scooter: ""�'Y`remagad&6r you conrcn7 ro'eive mna! and swri.4
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Which is to also say, it is the summer of chaos.
Cities are struggling to regulate the new vehicle, dropped onto sidewalks last
fall by tech companies that seemed to have no idea what they were unleashing.
"In some ways, the companies are as much surprised by haw this is unfolding
as we are," said Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole. "How all this was going
to work out is not something they thought about deeply."
ADYERrISEMENT..
Bird, the first company to land in Santa Monica, says its first priority is safety.
It has distributed 40,000 free helmets to riders. (Sadly, no one seems to wear
them.)
Beverly Hills and West Hollywood have taken a drastic approach; both cities
have baMthe scoVM9M(F Mi?''rancisco, after some conniption fits,
has also banned theMMi WAVA mails of a pilot program.
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only be described as confusing. In March, the City iatlntH312We310R 99a
moratorium on the scooters while it develops a pilot gprogram, which it is 1. Click on'Get 41f9tes'
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The city sent an apparently toothless cease -and -desist letter last month to Bird,
the biggest company in the app-enabled scooter rental space.
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"Please remove any and all vehicles that u have in It e Crty of Los Angeles
immediately," w-rote Seleta Reynolds, gen Pr of tha I nc A ns=Plec
Department of Transportation. F'MCET THE NEWS I NEED
I was told by Bird that the letter was provoked by the arrival of several dozen
scooters in the dow•ntovm Arts District, which Bird sayd1Y0WjWdR
removed.
But that's not what the letter said. And 11*ar+ewnrw
L.A. city government who can explain to me why the entire city was included in
the cease -and -desist letter, whether the order has been lifted, and why no one
appears to be enforcing the laws that require scooter riders to wear helmets, be
18 or over, not ride double, and stay off sidewalks.
Reynolds' spokesman suggested I email Marcel Porras, LADdT's chief
susta i nability officer. He never responded. When I later emailed Reynolds, she
told me she and Porras were traveling. I asked her if maybe she had access to a
telephone. She didn't respond, but her spokesman got back to me. He was very
pleasant and sent me a copy of the proposed pilot program, but was not able to
tell me whether the cease -and -desist order had been lifted.
I tried to reach Councilman Mike Bonin, who represents Venice and is
chairman of the council's transportation committee. His spokesman returned
my call and said he'd try to arrange a call. I'm still waiting.
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http:llwww.latimes.com/la-me-abcarian-scooters-2018072-story.htmi 1 /24/2019
Cities crackdown on electric scooter scofflaws, while trying to untangle the chaos of a ne... Page 3 of 6
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The city has given provisional permits to the start-ups Bird and Lime for the
summer, In September, it will launch a 16-month pilot program that will
involve just two companies, not necessarily Bird and Lime. About a dozen
scooter companies are vying for the honor.
The companies, which charge $i plus 15 cents per minute per ride, will pay to
be part of the program and will be forced to hand over all their usage data to the
city, so that scooter usage patterns can be better understood and planned for.
On Tuesday, I spent some time at Santa Monica City Hall with Cole and two of
his colleagues, Deputy City Manager Anuj Gupta and chief communications
officer Debbie Lee, who described the scooter business model as "brilliant, yet X
flawed."
All three were clear-eyed about the problems the scooters have wrought upon
an already crowded city. "The model requires�t��s
don't have permission to use, and they really' don't hay e a y o control ing t e
actions of their riders," Lee said.
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Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole drew a "specolatrve" graph based on current and future. Joyriding. he
lhinK5, will spike and then tall, as more people will use scooters to gel where they need to go. The verhtiai line
represents where we are now. (Rot)in Abcaf-an / Los Angeles Times]
But they know, too, that they cannot turn back the clock, that electric scooters
are here to stay.
Compargp�LFxh as �WlK9K%F t99arAe scooters will help ease congestion SAVE NOW
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regulations, agree with me.
In fact, when the subject came up, the city manager grabbed a blank sheet of
paper and drew a graph, with two lines. One represented joyriding" and one
represented "uthan transportation usage." Cole expects "urban transportation
usage" to grow with time, but let's just say his "joyriding" line soared above it
for now.
Indeed, his hand -drawn graph comports with what anyone with two eyes and a
brain can deduce: In beach cities like Santa Monica and Venice, where scooter
concentration is highest, most riders are on these things for giggles.
Likewise, there is no hard data yet on scooter injuries. But doctors are alarmed X
by what they are seeing.
"This scooter is no different than a motorcycle scooter," said Sam Torbati,
medical director of the emergency departmeEE�e igJ+�S
"As a physician, I am very concerned about the public safeTr issues around
people who ride without protective gear. I get panic ��aaar�l '. c,,once ed w$ I see
le Kith ear buds, carrying thin s while ridin aV,10 tiRe C�fgWP
people try g g g, g �n sidewalks."
His ER, Torbati said, has seen an u4 t7 in tNeEas tS- ► co r NEED
crashes — broken arms, legs, shoulders and hips (among older riders,
especially), and lots of head injurGet Today's Headlines delivered FREE to your inbox
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It has fallen on cities and police departure I to hoar the hurriPn of Prinratin7
scooter riders. GET THE NEWS I NEED
The Santa Monica Police Department has posted a modestly tunny educational
video on its Facebook page. The city has also put up si30W RONWO"ath
warning scooters to stay off.
I'm going to guess that the two gentle sc�K sty na'S°`rd'
Monica police in the last week will be more effective than any signs.
Last Friday, officers stationed themselves on the beachfront bicycle path where
Pico Boulevard hits the ocean. They pulled over hundreds of riders — many
underage, most without helmets — because motorized vehicles are forbidden on
the bike path.
So many riders abandoned their scooters that Cole, who happened to be at a
picnic nearby, had to call around for a city truck to take them away.
The next day, scooter riders were back on the bike path in force. And so were
the police, who plan to be out every day, stopping, citing and educating riders,
Cole reported. "Even our harshest critics have acknowledged that the situation
is noticeably improved," he said.
On Wednesday, officers fanned out along Second Street near the Third Street
W9
PromenS HA rivo 3 ursEEK, eR , stopped 105 scooter riders and issued SAVE; NOW
59 citations, 42 of w LICT-iSen eto hetmet-lIess riders.
http://www.latimes.com/la-me-abearian-scooters-2018072-story.htmi 1 /24/2019
Cities crack down on electric scooter scofflaws, while trying to untangle the chaos of a ne... Page 5 of G
Eg to ics $EA5;11 13 WEEKS FOR 99t y] LOU
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There' �++�p�r f,a,r,,�Tn� �c,,yif��g Netflix plays peekaboo with 60 hours, 50 abortions: A Still grieving, Anton
people lbYr WVttMI they be? its ratings. Hollywood isn't California doctor's monthly Yelchin's parents try to
weeks without paying them amused commute to a Texas clinic move forward with new
It's not as if they were running late for work.
i:10 p.rn,: This article was updated with additional information about
enforcement in Santa Monica.
This article was originally published at3 a.m.
Robin Abcarian
[,ON I ACC y M e
Robin Aka rian is a Ml umnisl at the Los Angeles Times. Forngi ng must3y oa California Cuhure, news and
pal itirs, she run ms the (;olden State, reporting stories that help readers imderstancl what make& this plate
n niq LIE. She often writes allaltl hpt•bLitton social lsities, like iboriion and sexual harassment. She X
frequently dips into national politics, lureingcovered the 2004.2008 and _012 presidential campaigns hill
time, and the 20 t6 mm pAgn occasionally -Jhra rian hes held many posit trims at TbC limes, As a culture
wntor for the }taper's Cal radar section, she has covered the []scars, the Fmmys aixl the Sundamx Film
Fes iral. For nkost of the Aggos, she +vas a columnist fur The T9 mes' fell Li re section, liefore hero mi ng it,
editor in 2003.
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hi tp://www.latimes.com/la-me-abcarian-scooters-2018072-story.html 1 /24/2019
Klassen, Rachelle
From: Stanley, Jane
Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2019 8:40 AM
To: Klassen, Rachelle
Subject: FW: Item XB SHARED MOTORIZED SCOOTERS
From: Manny Rodriguez [mailto:manny205@aol.coml
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 6:05 PM
To: weber <weber@cityofpalmdesert.org>; CityhallMail <Cityhall@cityofpalmdesert.org>
Cc: Aylaian, Lauri <laylaian@cityofpalmdesert.org>
Subject: Item XB SHARED MOTORIZED SCOOTERS
Dear Madam Mayor and Council Members,
It is impossible to regulate on -demand e-scooters. As has been proven in other cities, any pilot
program will fail while subjecting the public to the chaos caused by these devices and their users.
Complying with rules and regulations goes against the grain of the on -demand business plan and
defeats the purpose of a "fun" and reckless throwaway joyride that allows for unaccountability and
irresponsible behavior on public property and on the public right of way.
The scooter companies operate on the false premise that they are an "innovative" transportation
device...... They are not, they serve no useful purpose other than a reckless joyride at the expense of
public safety and the pedestrian's confidence in their environment. Communities
should never surrender public property for the benefit of a private company and their frivolous for -
profit endeavor.
Please look at what cities like Beverly Hills and West Hollywood have done. I encourage you to
implement a complete ban of on -demand shared motorized e-scooters in the City of Palm Desert.
Respectfully,
Manny Rodriguez
West Hollywood, Palm Springs
Klassen, Rachelle
From: Stanley, Jane
Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2019 10:29 AM
To: Klassen, Rachelle
Subject: FW: E-SCOOTERS - Please ban
Attachments: CITY OF PALM DESERT — PLEASE RECONSIDER THIS SCOOTER TRIAL.pdf
From: Sharon Mastropietro [mailto:smastro@msn.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2019 9:20 AM
To: CityhallMail <Cityhall@cityofpalrndesert.org>
Subject: E-SCOOTERS - Please ban
Mimecast Attachment Protection has deemed this file to be safe, but always exercise caution when opening files.
Dear City Council Members,
I've lived with scooters in Los Angeles and they are DANGEROUS. Too many times I would walk out of
my house to find a scooter left on the sidewalk. I move scooters out of the way of sidewalks for my
elderly neighbors constantly.
Most riders do not pay attention to any rules. They wear earbuds and listen to music.
The riders are transient, meaning they are visiting and don't care about our community and leave their
scooters wherever they please.
Once you let these scooter companies into the neighborhood THEY WILL NEVER LEAVE.
There is NO WAY to police riders. Our Police Department has more important things to focus on.
These scooters also go FAST! Sad stories of scooter riders, knocking over people, hitting dogs on
sidewalks in LA. They don't talk about this on the news. But it happens daily.
Attached are photos I took during the course of one day, from when I left the house until I got home. if
you allow them, you should expect to see this every day.
Please reconsider, these are one reason why I left LA. You can't have a pleasant walk with these scooters
surround you.
Thank you,
Sharon Mastropietro
72868 Pitahaya St.
Palm Desert
818-231-2S79
Former LA resident
CITY OF PALM DESERT -- PLEASE RECONSIDER THIS SCOOTER TRIAL
THIS IS NOT GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY
I've lived with scooters in Los Angeles and they are DANGEROUS. Too many times 1 would walk
out of my house to find a scooter left on the sidewalk. I move scooters out of the way of sidewalks
for my elderly neighbors constantly.
Most riders do not pay attention to any rules. They wear earbuds and listen to music.
The riders are transient, meaning they are visiting and don't care about our community and leave
their scooters wherever they please.
Once you let these scooter companies into the neighborhood THEY WILL NEVER LEAVE.
There is NO WAY to police riders. Our Police Department has more important things to focus on.
These scooters also go FAST! Sad stories of scooter riders, knocking over people, hitting dogs on
sidewalks in LA. They don't talk about this on the news. But it happens daily.
THESE ARE PICTURES FROM ONE DAY IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD IN LOS ANGELES:
SCOOTER
LEFT BY RANDOM PERSON
OUTSIDE MY FRONT DOOR
LRIDER WEARING LAKbUU-'
ON WRONG SIDE OF STREET
POLICE CAN'T ENFORCE THIS
10 1
I
b- vk-',V, --
ISMWME�
SCOU I tK-')
LEFT AS TRASH IN THE STREET IN OUR
QUIET NEIGHBORHOODS