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by Cthulhu_ 2435 days ago
Draw a comparison: would it be OK to hack / steal cars because they take up space?

I mean sure, scooters being dropped left and right is a problem - something Bird and co need to address, e.g. by fining anyone not leaving their items in designated areas - but transportation needs somewhere to stand. Whether said transportation is owned by a company or an individual is a moot point.
2 comments
tyfon 2434 days ago
> Draw a comparison: would it be OK to hack / steal cars because they take up space?

You mean like towing cars that are parked illegally? One can not just put a car wherever one likes, renting a spot can cost quite a lot depending on where you live. When I was living in Oslo I didn't have a car but i rented my spot that came with the apartment to the neighbour for $200/month.

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omegabravo 2434 days ago
Towing a car is not the same as stealing a car. If someone parks illegally you are not suddenly allowed to smash the window and take it for a joy ride. Even simpler, I'm not allowed to tow anyone else's car that has parked illegally.

I don't agree with Bird's practices, but that doesn't give anyone some moral right to steal their scooters.

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tyfon 2434 days ago
No, but the municipality might be allowed to "steal" it. I was playing a bit of devils advocate in the previous comment.

However I've seen reckless towing destroy cars and they will hold your car until you pay up and not pay for the damages. It's a fine line.

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CaptainZapp 2434 days ago
Or by licensing their scooters with the citys where they dump them?

Say: One buck per day, per scooter.

Everybody wins: Scooter companies have an incentive to control the number of scooters they dump on a city and the city makes some modest money.

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