Scooter Guidelines

Scooters are popping up on city streets across the country as another car-free, sustainable mode of transportation that residents can use to get to work, to run errands, or simply to take a ride through the city.

In response to the rising number of electric scooters and dockless bikeshares, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NATCO) released a report entitled, “Guidelines for the Regulation and Management of Shared Active Transportation,” which offers a range of potential rules and regulations aimed at keeping the public, and the city streets, safe and accident free.

NATCO’s guidelines offer standards that will help cities manage the transportation companies that are not overseen by local governments or selected through a competitive selection process. They also establish minimum standards that cities should require all transportation companies to follow, including the following:

• Framework for permits
• City/company communication mechanisms
• Set of standards for communicating with the public
• Data requirements
• Safety standards for minimum equipment requirements
• Customer privacy standards

Too often, transit tech companies rush to introduce a vehicle in the hopes of securing market share and increasing revenue. The NATCO report found that tech transit companies are more likely to ask for forgiveness for failing to secure the appropriate contracts, permits, and licenses, rather than going through the appropriate channels from the beginning. Unfortunately, this has become a common practice among tech transit companies.

How Cities Can Take Control

Whether it is the e-scooters, e-bikes, or some other small vehicle network, there remains a need to consider the risk of them being involved in auto accidents.

For cities that are interested in developing pilot programs to help tech transit companies expand, while meeting the regulatory requirements, the NATCO report provides recommendations on how they can get started and take control of their city streets. The proposed rules of the road provide a simple template that cities can easily adopt. In addition, all new startups must secure legal permission, and be subjected to steep fines if the rules are violated.

According to the Executive Director of NACTO, active transportation systems are more successful when all parties involved work in collaboration with each other. NACTO’s guidelines help cities take a more proactive role in planning, which will help streets meet the needs of the cities’ diverse communities, said the General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and NACTO President.

Transit technology companies have been resistant to attempts at regulation. However, many of the recommendations included in the guidelines are common-sense regulations. NACTO safety officials are hopeful that these companies will be open to a more collaborative approach, and that cities do not give up control or oversight with regard to new transit options.

Baltimore Car Accidents Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect the Rights of Injured Car Accident Victims

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving an electric scooter, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. Our experienced team will thoroughly investigate the details of your case and determine who is responsible for your injuries. We will secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve and ensure that your legal rights are protected at all times. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.