In response to Micah Eaglin’s April 5th Blog on Scooters, I wholeheartedly agree. It is an issue that is so apparent to those of us who work and live in Austin, yet a few may put any thought into how those scooters work. There are two main issues that Mr. Eaglin brings up. The first is the regulation on the scooters misplacement. The second is the regulation having to do with the speed limits and the age requirements. 

These scooters really did pop up out of nowhere starting last year so it makes sense that there must be some sort of regulation for them. I agree that it seems as though there are no regulations or rules to how these are placed. They are abundant in certain areas and sparse in others. Having specific areas where scooters can be parked would be a get rid of their nuisance of being piled up on sidewalks. Additionally it would make it easier for those who charge them to find them instead of stopping on random streets in the middle of traffic to pick them up.

Whether or not there should be age requirements and speed limit requirements is up to the legislature and perhaps needs to be studied in whether it actually makes sidewalks and streets safe. Regardless, I do agree Mr. Eaglin, it would make sense that Scooters and bikes would be regulated similarly. Unless the two have demonstrated significantly different safety statistics, they should either both be regulated or not regulated.