BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — As of last week--the Queen City moved one step closer to welcoming electric scooter rentals.
"We passed a resolution which was unanimously supported by my colleagues on the council to look into the feasibility of electric bike and scooter share transportation companies," Council Member Chris Scanlon (D) said.
That resolution is asking departments like public works and police to see what would and wouldn't work here. Scanlon says the hope is to one day implement this program citywide.
As for when this could happen, there's no timetable just yet. New York Governor has yet to sign legislation passed to allow thinks like e-scooters in town. If it is signed, cities, like Buffalo, have 180 days to prepare.
You may have seen electric scooter rentals in other cities across the country and they soon may be a reality here in the Queen City 🛴
— Nikki DeMentri (@nikkidementri) September 24, 2019
Do you think it’s a good idea to have them in Buffalo?
"We would like to have our ducks in a row come day one and roll this out, if possible," Scanlon said.
One of the leading e-scooter companies, Lime, operates in more than 100 cities. The closest right now to Buffalo is Ithaca, but the company could be an option here.
"We really do feel that micro-mobility can really change the way people are exploring Buffalo," Phil Jones, Senior Director at Lime, said. He continued, "Every city, every market is different so we look for solutions that fit that different location."
Other cities have had major issues including vandalism and safety issues with e-scooters like Nashville.
Jones says it's things like a "feedback loop" that make the program crucial to its success. "It really is about education, it's about that people remain and we are safe and that we are building into the infrastructure," he said.
