GF eyes electric scooters…maybe

A plan to bring electric scooters to Grand Forks passed an initial test and first reading of the city council last night (Monday).

Bird Rides Inc. is looking to roll into town with a fleet of scooters for start-up service. In order to allow the devices on city streets the council needs to adopt an ordinance for the use and operation of the devices. They would be available for riders 18 years and older 24 hours a day.

Some council members have expressed concern about the placement of scooters and where they are dropped off after witnessing conditions in other cities. The scooters have been mentioned as a top priority for UND’s Student Senate as a mode of transportation.

Council President Dana Sande made the motion to advance the plan.  “I don’t want to disappoint our student senate but we’ve all been to cities that have these scooters.  I will move approval and move this on so we can have further discussion…I just don’t see myself supporting this.  I don’t think we need to have these scooters.”

A public hearing and second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for August 1st.