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City Council Setting Regulations On Scooters For Pilot Program

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Fort Wayne City Council unanimously agreed to move forward on a proposal to regulate “dockless vehicle” share systems in an effort to support a pilot program Tuesday night.

A “dockless vehicle” is defined in the legislation as a motorized wheeled device that isn’t an automobile or motorcycle -- such as a motorized scooter -- accessed through an app or owned by a party that operates without an established location within the city.

The move comes as members of Council accept that motor scooters -- which are increasing in popularity across the country as a means of transportation -- will come to any city the size of Fort Wayne eventually.

In fact, that effort is already in motion: city officials within the Department of Community Development are working out details with the state to bring a pilot program for a dockless vehicle share system to the city. It would operate through 2020, and the city would determine next steps based on usage data collected from the program.

Still, 2nd District councilman Russ Jehl has concerns. He wants Council to have a say on cancellation if a pilot program goes poorly, and mentioned a scooter program in the state capital he doesn’t want to replicate.

“If you picture a beautiful fall day with the leaves on the ground, but just imagine all those leaves being scooters. That's what downtown Indianapolis looks like.”

Violators of the program would have their dockless vehicle removed if it is improperly parked in the right-of-way and would have 24 hours to claim it. The first fine would be $100, with subsequent fines for repeat offenders at $200.

Council approved the proposal 7-0.

Zach joined 89.1 WBOI as a reporter and local host for All Things Considered, and hosted Morning Edition for the past few years. In 2022, he was promoted to Content Director.