TUCSON, Ariz. — TUCSON, Ariz. - Tucson City Council members have voted 5-1 to allow up to 1,500 e-scooters in town on Tuesday.
The e-scooter program will last 6 months, but the council can make changes or terminate it at any time. They are debating beginning the scooter program this June or July.
"They have the potential to serve low income neighborhoods, giving another transportation option to Tucson residents," Ward three council member Paul Durham said.
E-SCOOTERS APPROVED: the pilot has just been approved to bring e-scooters to Tucson. It was a 5-1 vote, bringing up to 1,500 e-scooters to the city. More tonight at 10 on @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/4ZjepAv3xq
— Veronika Vernachio (@vvernachio) March 20, 2019
At the meeting, the council clarified that if cluttering becomes an issue, the e-scooter company will be contacted.
They also said that the speed of the scooters will be set at 15 m.p.h., but that also could be subject to changes if it becomes clear if that speed level is too fast/unsafe in certain areas.
Vendors have two weeks to submit proposals. The city has limited it to only two vendors for the program.
Not all the council members we're for the idea.
"It's just a bad idea and it's just an accident or multiple accidents waiting to happen," Ward six Council Member Steve Kozachik said.
REALTED: Tucson may try electric scooter rentals
The council voted 5-1 Tuesday to write an ordinance allowing a six-month testing period.
Some Phoenix suburbs have already broken off agreements with portable scooter companies due to monetary and safety concerns.
Some city leaders think the scooters will give people an environmentally friendly alternative to driving. Others believe they will cause safety concerns in busy areas.
The approved vote came after Ward two Councilman Paul Cunningham asked the question, "Does Tucson deserve to find out if it's a scooter town?"
"Let's see how it goes," Cunningham said. "And if it's a disaster I'll be leading the parade to resent it."
After the six-month testing period, the council will revisit the issue and can decided to renew.
