A look into the regulation of e-scooters
We have addressed key concerns regarding riding and safety but there are many more issues that can and will arise. Enforcement of E-scooter misuse presents an obstacle for cities and their law enforcement agencies due to the sheer number of scooters that are packed in an individual city. In drafting legislation authorizing the implementation of E-scooters, cities should set reasonable goals pertaining to the extent E-scooters can be enforced.
Therefore, cities should carefully delineate who actually has the power to enforce and in what manner it should be done depending on each dilemma presented. Our most important question will address who will enforce E-scooter regulation and whom shall be subject to the enforcement. In considering the most effective way to enforce proper scooter use, one enforcement style will not apply to all instances of misuse.
In enforcing proper use of E-scooters, law enforcement agencies will likely have access to vast amounts of personal data about each user. In some case, law enforcement may have to write warrants requesting personalized, identifiable user data. Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to write concise warrants, in order to avoid requesting any information that is unnecessary for any investigation. In the event that identifiable user data is mishandled by law enforcement, operators may want to have put agreements in place that protect users and their privacy from further harm.
Cities may require that providers create designated parking areas for E-scooters or the city may delegate available areas for e-scooters. After these areas have been designated the city can enforce violations of parking against the e-scooter company by removing and impounding e-scooters or ticket the last user for improper parking. When a city chooses to prosecute the user this removes the burden from e-scooter companies to police their users. A city may choose to fine an user that leaves an e-scooter in an inappropriate location, however enforcement of this may be tricky. For example, a user may leave the e-scooter in an appropriate location only to have someone else move the scooter from that location. Also, this may require the city to collect data from the e-scooter that identifies its last user.
This article serves to provide information regarding the ways E-scooter companies internally regulate maintenance and service standards and how municipalities can externally regulate such standards. Maintenance and service includes the upkeep of E-scooters, involving charging E-scooter batteries, balancing tires, repairing and removing damaged, inoperable, and non-functional units. Regulations are meant to ensure the safety of users, provide an adequate standard of service, prevent overpromising for permits, and regulate environmental effects. This article provides drafted legal language regarding E-scooter maintenance.