City to consider scooter rules
By Terry Murry on Thursday, March 4th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Bird Electric Scooters of Santa Monica, California has filed for a business permit to offer dockless electric scooters for rent in Pendleton. The application raised questions with the Pendleton City Council, who is now seeking answers, and working towards governing the vehicles.
“We’re putting together an ordinance,” City Manager Robb Corbett said. “What if they end up in the river? What if they end up in somebody’s front yard?”
Corbett said the basic belief is that many existing ordinances can be put in play with the addition of the word ‘scooters.’
“They’ll be operated like a bicycle,” he said “You won’t be able to ride them on a sidewalk, just as you cannot ride a bicycle on a sidewalk.”
Considering using them in city parks has shown the council that there is a need to update and fine-tune parks ordinances regarding motorized vehicles. Any proposed changes would be the topic of public hearings at future meetings.
A representative from the scooter-sharing company will be on hand at a city council work session next Tuesday to answer questions. Its ride-sharing app operates in more than 100 cities around the world.
