Proposed ordinance would set guidelines for motorized rental scooters in Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — A proposed ordinance would define requirements for motorized rental scooters in Oklahoma City.

The ordinance, introduced during an Oklahoma City Council meeting Tuesday, would create a Share Vehicle System License for businesses to offer scooters for rent. In early August, the company Bird dropped approximately 50 scooters throughout the metro without the consent of the city. The company allows users access to the motorized scooters through an app. When first brought to the city, the scooters were allowed to be dropped in any public place.

After they were dropped, members of the Oklahoma City Council cited safety concerns for sidewalks and roadways. Last week, the city granted permits to Bird for 15 rental locations. If the new ordinance is passed, they will be required to get a new permit.

The ordinance would limit licensees to 250 scooters at first. They can then increase the number of scooters by 25 if they are able to show that usage and demand meets expansion.

Companies would be required to relocate the scooters in public places within two hours of notification and within one hour if left on private property. The city would also be able to use "geo-fences" that would create a virtual boundary that would prevent the scooters from being used in certain areas of the city. These areas would be listed on the licensees app.

The fee for licenses would be $302, plus $30 annually per scooter. Companies will also be required to have general liability insurance.

Riders will be unable to ride the scooters on sidewalks or trails under the ordinance. Bike lanes and streets are fair game for riders as long as they follow normal traffic rules. They must also yield to pedestrians.

The ordinance will have riders parking their scooters as close as they can to the curb or a bike rike.

The proposed ordinance goes up for a public hearing on Sept. 11 and adoption on Sept. 25.