Perspective
The Local Regulations That Can Kill E-Scooters
In less-dense cities and suburban areas, e-scooter companies have a harder time profiting from dockless vehicles. Local leaders should regulate accordingly.
On paper, San Diego seems like perfect e-scooter country. It’s got terrific year-round weather and no shortage of young residents. But in January, the micromobility company Lime became the third micromobility company in just five months to yank its shared scooters off the city’s streets. Like Jump and Skip—the other two companies to leave—Lime claimed that onerous regulations drove its decision. (Lyft, Bird, and Spin remain.)
Multiple San Diego city council members expressed their disappointment, with one blaming the city itself. “This is a classic example of what happens when government overreaches,” councilman Chris Cate tweeted. “[Lime] will not be the last company to leave.”