NEW ROCHELLE, NY (May 13, 2023) — The City of New Rochelle held a discussion on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, about the electric scooters that have been scattered throughout the city and the safety issues they pose. The discussion was requested by Council Member Albert A. Tarantino Jr., who also presided over the meeting due to Mayor Noam Bramson’s leaving early due to a family obligation.
Council Member Tarantino said he observed and received complaints about scooters being left in the middle of walkways, rolling down hills, and driving in the wrong direction on one-way streets. He said he was concerned about the liability and nuisance issues caused by the scooters, and suggested that safety measures should be in place.
Accountability Mechanisms
Adam Salgado, Deputy City Manager/Commissioner of Development, explained that there are accountability mechanisms in the software of the scooters. He said that the owners of the scooters, Veo Ride, can track and relocate the scooters if they are improperly parked or abandoned. He also said that Veo Ride can issue fines or suspend users who violate the rules.
However, he acknowledged that reorganization is needed to address the problems. He said that Veo Ride is working on improving its customer service and communication with the city.
Council Member Martha Lopez spoke of scooters being illegally used by underage individuals on Union and Washington Avenues. She said she witnessed some near-accidents involving scooters and pedestrians.
Robert Gazzola, Police Commissioner, said that enforcing the scooter rules is a difficult situation with limited resources. He said that the city’s liability is a concern, and that education programs are needed to inform the public about the proper use of scooters.
It was agreed that Deputy City Manager Salgado would communicate with Veo Ride to discuss problem solving.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 5/13/2023 and Minutes from City Council meetings on 5/9/23.