In cities across North America, the introduction of electric scooters as an alternative transportation method is occurring seemingly overnight. Due to the rapid increase in implementation, and in turn operators, in January 2019, AAMVA published a whitepaper detailing the electric scooter industry along with the challenges that may present themselves to law enforcement professionals, jurisdictional policymakers and users alike.

Modes of transportation are evolving at a rapid pace. And while jurisdictions want to support innovation, the safety of all road-users needs to be taken into account. Officials try to react quickly to keep up with the new technologies, but often regulations and legislation take time to be discussed and passed into law by cities or jurisdictions affected by these new transportation methods.

Within the scooter whitepaper, AAMVA identifies leading concerns which should be considered by law enforcement and jurisdictions, including permitting, parking and most importantly, riding. Where are scooters allowed to be used? Is sidewalk riding allowed for the scooters or are users encouraged to use roadways? Are there specific areas in a city where scooters are exclusively allowed or locations where riding them is strictly prohibited? Pedestrian, bicycle and automobile traffic needs to be taken into account as well.

Although most regulation of scooters is being done at the local level, AAMVA members still should be aware of and educated about this emerging form of transportation.