Alpharetta is the latest metro Atlanta community to crack down on “shareable dockless mobility devices” – typically, e-scooters for rent.
The City Council approved on second reading an ordinance prohibiting the devices from being placed or operated on the public right-of-way or offered for use anywhere in Alpharetta. Companies that rent the devices to individuals were given 10 days to remove their machines.
The ordinance cites the devices as “suddenly and unexpectedly appearing,” rapidly proliferating in an unregulated environment, being abandoned on streets and sidewalks, and often used by young people who risk injury by not wearing helmets. Under the ordinance, devices found in violation can be impounded, with an initial impound fee of $40 and a daily storage fee of $5.
“While we want to encourage innovative strategies that help to improve transportation and mobility, it is essential that solutions be safe for users and the general public and not create a nuisance in the community,” staff said in a report to the council.
“A growing body of evidence indicates that dockless shareable mobility devices, especially in the form of scooters, do not meet that threshold.”
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