MPD: Rules of the Road for Gotcha Scooters

I saw one of my friends on Facebook last month, trying out the new scooters in downtown Mobile... and my first thought was, that's trouble on wheels! (Ok, mainly because of my friend, more than the actual wheels, LOL)

The new Gotcha electric scooters hit the streets of Mobile before the end of the year... and there have been a few issues.

Like property damage... and even a report of someone riding through one of the tunnels.

My husband has had scooter riders zip past him at intersections... even crossing in front of him... with no regard to traffic signals/signs.

And there's been at least 1 person injured. UPDATE: Make that 2. A man was hit by 2 girls Tuesday night on Dauphin St and they just rode off, laughing.

Now Mobile Police has rules in place, which may help with those issues, whether you're a rider or just someone who encounters the scooters.

So, here's the scoop:

The Mobile Police Department will begin enforcing the rules of the road for the Gotcha Scooters beginning Monday, January 13, 2020. The electric scooters are available daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. During this time, police urge riders to take responsibility for their safety. Here is what police will enforce to ensure safety and traffic law compliance. 

First of all, riders must be 18 years or older in order to operate the scooter. Only one person is allowed on a scooter at a time.

Secondly, scooters must ride with the flow of traffic and follow traffic signals using extra caution around intersections. If a bike lane is designated, it must be used. Riding on city sidewalks is prohibited. And, riders should always yield to pedestrians.

Scooters should be parked upright with the kickstand. They should not be parked blocking building entrances/exits, crosswalks, driveways, sidewalk ramps, fire hydrants and loading zones.

Lastly, if the rider of the scooter is involved in an incident that causes property damage or bodily injury, police will write an incident report. However, the responsibility will rest with the complainant to file and pursue civil action.

***** You may want to take note of that last part... Mobile police will write up a report if there's an incident, but it's up to you to pursue action in the event of an accident or property damage.