Ride sharing has become common practice through apps like Uber and Lyft, and the introduction of Blue Bikes has allowed commuters to locate, rent and dock a shared bike all through an app. Is the next shared transportation program for Boston, dockless electric scooters?
Boston City Council is considering a pilot program that could launch next spring that would bring scooter rentals to Boston. Proponents think this will help reduce traffic on city streets, while opponents argue scooters are unsafe. Most likely, the scooters would be dockless but there would be rules on where they could be dropped or picked up.
Earlier this summer, Bird scooters popped up overnight in Cambridge and Somerville, leading Mayor Walsh to warn the company not to appear in Boston without discussing regulations. This pilot program could bring order to electric scooter rentals, and potentially be a joint program with neighboring towns, according to Boston Chief of Streets Chris Osgood.
Would you use this new mode of transportation to get around the city if a pilot program is put in place? Vote in our poll and add your comments in the section below.
Note: Web polls are not scientific, representing only those readers who choose to vote.
I thought the Commonwealth requires that powered scooters be equipped with brake & signal lights and existing models aren’t. If that is true how can the City allow them?
Good question!
I don’t think the question is whether we would ride them. I think the question is whether they should be dockless. Dockless scooters will just be a nuisance on the sidewalks. I have already experienced the disorganization of the dockless Lime bikes being left and forgotten about in random places.