Ames Today

The Ames City Council has rejected a proposed pay-to-use e-scooter program due to safety concerns. 

“I think the main pro is the fun factor,” council member David Martin said, according to a GovTech article. “How much weight do we really want to put on fun versus the risks that would come with it because there are significant risks associated with a program like this.”

Martin, along with council members Gloria Betcher and Tim Gartin, voted against the program in a 3-3 vote. Among the concerns with the program are rider negligence and improper parking.

Proponents of the program said it would reduce carbon emissions, create jobs and enhance recreation in the city.

“We looked at positives being job creation when a scooter company comes into town a lot of the times, they will look to residents of the community to contract with to pick up the scooters and take them to a designated spot to get recharged or repaired,” Ames Assistant City Manager Deb Schildroth said.

The city council has been trying to bring micro-mobility to the area since the summer of 2019.