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Electric scooters may not arrive in the streets of San Luis Obispo or Pismo Beach.
Two weeks after launching the scooter sharing app in San Luis Obispo, city officials and bird representatives are wondering if, and how, they could work safely here.
Meanwhile, Pismo Beach is taking steps to ban electric scooter sharing activities as part of an emergency order next week.
Scooters have been the subject of controversy in other cities across the country, with supporters calling them carpool revolutionaries, and opponents calling them scares for safety and public nuisance.
Users can view an app and find scooters nearby, which they then unlock with their phone. Once they're done with a scooter, they can then lock it with their phone and leave it to the next user.
Because they are dock-free, scooters can be left or found virtually anywhere.
Adam Fukushima, Transportation Manager for San Luis Obispo, said the city had recently met with Bird representatives to explain how their business works and their concerns about public safety.
Another scooter sharing company, Lime, has also expressed interest in working with San Luis Obispo, he said.
Fukushima said he and the city had talked with both companies and other cities about their experiences with the companies.
"As in any other business, they would need a license and appropriate licenses to operate in the city," he said. "City staff are currently preparing information for City Council to discuss next steps, which could include a process to gather the community's input to determine if this is appropriate in San Luis Obispo. "
Due to recent interest in the area, Pismo Beach municipal staff advised city council to approve an emergency ordinance prohibiting scooter sharing companies from dropping vehicles in the city without the approval of the city.
"These devices pose significant security problems that have already occurred in other cities," said a report from city staff. "Motorized scooters pose safety risks on public rights-of-way, as they can drive up to 15 mph. They are often used on sidewalks and without personal protective equipment, such as knee pads, elbow guards and helmets.
"Scooters are also left on the sidewalks and in other public places because they allow them to be left wherever a customer's trip ends."
The ordinance would also allow the city to seize all scooters illegally parked in the streets, sidewalks or public parks.
The board will review the order at its meeting on Tuesday night. If it is approved, it will come into effect immediately.
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