CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Electric scooters would become permanent under an ordinance that would allow 7,500 on Chicago streets with some changes to what has been, so far, a pilot project.
Alderman Howard Brookins, Chair of the Transportation Committee, has introduced an ordinance that would allow three companies to operate up to 2,500 scooters each.
According to the Sun-Times, there would be a new requirement for sidewalk detection technology, designed to keep e-scooters off sidewalks by warning riders they are violating the law. The e-scooters would have to be locked up to a tree, a pole, or bike rack between rides.
Former longtime Transportation Committee Chairman Alderman Anthony Beale (9th Ward) does not approve.
“I can’t stand them. There’s no order. They’re leaving scooters everywhere,” Ald. Beale said Wednesday. “We can’t even clean up our vacant lots. Now we have to clean up all of the scooters and Divvy bikes being left all over the place.”
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The proposal comes after a hearing that turned into a grip session where a number of aldermen voiced concerns about e-scooters.
"E-scooters pose danger to some pedestrians and wheelchair users," said Alderwoman Emma Mitts.
"Scooters being laid, thrown all over the streets and in our neighborhoods. That's not acceptable," added Alderman David Moore.
"We are not even enforcing bicycles on the sidewalk, so let's be realistic, we are not going to be enforcing e-scooters on sidewalks either. In the meantime, I don't want pedestrians getting hurt or killed," said Alderman Brendan Riley.
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