Electric scooters: Convenient or concern?

BROOKLINE, Mass. — Brookline's newest form of transportation is getting pushback from people who live there.

Lime and Bird scooters have come to town just over two weeks ago but people tell Boston 25 News they're getting in the way of sidewalks and streets and becoming a safety concern.

"I think there are far too many of them," said Chris Prukop.

Brookline's select board approved a pilot program for the scooters last month, but 12 days after the launch, there's confusion, even among frequent riders.

"It's still kind of difficult to understand, OK are we riding on the street? Are we riding on the sidewalk? Are there bike lanes that we should be in?" said Chris Badger.

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The scooters are more than just a nuisance to some people. They are also a safety concern as helmets are not required and the scooters can go up to 15 miles per hour.

"I see them going by on the street and I don't see anybody with helmets on," said Andrew Weiner, Brookline business owner.

The Lime app does tell users to wear helmets while riding, however, it does not have them available to rent along with the scooter.

It also advises the riders to stay in bike lanes and prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from renting a scooter. But not everyone is following the rules.

"I see so many little children scooting around and I think they run the risk of getting hit by cars or not being seen by traffic and there could be some major problems," said Prukop.

There are also complaints from business owners about where the scooters are being left.

"I've noticed them left on the sidewalks, handicap people trying to walk by and I'm very nervous seeing that happen," said Weiner.

Boston 25 News reached out to the Brookline Transportation Administrator, but haven't yet heard back.

Riders like Chris Badger believe the scooters are here to stay and the problems will work themselves out.

"I think change is often difficult, I certainly understand that. With most place that have adopted them there have been about six months of getting used to it and acclimated to the scooters being around," said Badger.

Currently, the scooters are only in Brookline. When you cross over into Boston, the scooter shuts off and the app on your phone alerts you.

We reached out to Boston's Chief of Streets who says they have no plan to implement an e-scooter program anytime soon.

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