The first reading of the City of Orlando Pilot Program for electric scooter-share services was approved by City Council November 11th.
If approved at the second reading, the pilot program will last for one year. It will have an initial fleet of 200 with a maximum of 400. The scooters will be parked on the edges of sidewalks, lined up in a row. They will be staged across the City except in designated exclusionary areas. The scooters will go up to 10mph**.
A maximum of 80% of the fleet will be located in the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (MAP). A maximum of 60% of them will be place East of I4. A minimum 20% of them will be placed West of I4. The remaining 20% will be placed outside of the CRA.
The City will make 25 cents per ride. The scooters will be allowed to be ridden on sidewalks by state law unless noted by a sign.
The City will have the hospitals report all scooter accidents that come through their doors.
There are areas where the scooters will not work. This is called geofencing.
The program would make the City $90,000 a year based on data gathered from the Lime bike usage.
No companies have expressed interest in placing the scooters on I-Drive, but the ordinance would allow them to do so if desired.
The program requires the scooter companies to hold 6 safety training classes.
During the meeting, Commissioner Ortiz pushed for the speed to be raised to 15mph. "You know those millenials. They want to go (snapped fingers three times)," he said.
Commissioner Patty Sheehan questioned if pedestrians hit by scooter drivers would be covered by the scooter companies' insurance and expressed concern for the safety of elderly pedestrians. She also asked if the scooters have horns. They do not. The bikes do not either. They have bells.
Commissioner Stewart also showed concern about pedestrians and insurance. He asked if the companies had the capability to determine electronically where the device was so the company can go after the hit and run culprits. He also noted the pilot program doesn't state the length of the pilot nor an ending date.
**According to state law bikes can be ridden up to 20mph on sidewalks.
