AUSTIN ­­­— Dockless electric scooters, bicycles and mopeds from companies such as Lime, Bird and Uber are seemingly ubiquitous forms of what the city calls “micro-mobility.” Since the spring of 2018, there have been over 2 million bicycle and scooter trips in Austin, according to the city.

 

The Austin Transportation Department along with the Austin Police Department are now proposing changes to the city code addressing the use of these new forms of micro-mobility that would potentially affect all users, both public and private.

 

Officials and some residents say that an increase in the use of micro-mobility devices has led to accidents, blocked sidewalks and pedestrian hazards.

 

There are currently over 16,000 micro-mobility devices available for rent in Austin, with 1,200 more on the way, according to the Austin Transportation Department. Since May 2018, Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas has recorded 66 severe traumas, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the 66 traumas, 19 were head injuries, 38 were orthopedic injuries and 13 were facial injuries.

 

The major micro-mobility companies ­­– Lime, Bird and Uber – are active in over 100 U.S. cities along with multiple international locations. Many cities where there is micro-mobility, are experiencing difficulties with the safety regulations of scooters, according to the Washington Post.

 

The Austin Transportation Department is looking to engineering analysis to determine the best areas where micro-mobility users can ride. Officials said there has been public misunderstanding about the ordinance’s guidelines.

 

“The city’s current code does not address micro-mobility devices,” said Marissa Monroy, public information and marketing manager for the Austin Transportation Department. “It simply addresses bicycles. Changing the city code will update the city’s rules and regulations when it comes to how micro-mobility devices, including scooters, will function in the city’s right of way.”

 

The proposed regulations include, designated areas where the use of micro-mobility is not allowed, designated parking spaces and doubling the price of fines.

 

Ingrid Pineda, a University of Texas at Austin student, said she is in favor of the proposed changes to the city code in order to increase safety among micro-mobility users.

 

“At the end of the day, scooters are a vehicle that just like bikes, can end up hurting the rider or a pedestrian if not used with proper caution,” Pineda said.

 

Austin City Council Member Jimmy Flannigan of District 6 emphasized the need for new regulations regarding micro-mobility devices.

 

“It is not just my enthusiasm,” Flannigan said. “This is enthusiasm I hear from the community wanting us to take swift action on this situation.”

 

During a city council meeting on March 28, several council members objected to the doubling of fines and what would be the implications for people who already cannot afford fines as it pertains to traffic incidents.

 

Education has been and continues to be a key part of ensuring proper use of these devices in Austin, according to the city. Each month the number of devices as well as the total trips continues to rise. Austin recognized the importance of educating users on these devices in order to ensure safe rides.

 

“As our mobility landscape changes with newer innovation, our city must be responsive and adaptable to ensuring that the incorporation of any new micro-mobility services are safe and equitable in a clearly, outlined way,” said spokeswoman for Austin Transportation, Mary Vo.