[s0rce]

I'd argue its a public good, its an alternate mode of transport that is very useful and reduces the number of car trips and their associated negative externalities. Certainly scooters take up less space than parked cars which seem to have been grandfathered in and getting rid of parking is fiercely opposed.

[dangus]

Bicycles are safer:

https://newatlas.com/urban-transport/study-e-scooters-injury...

Bicycles and even some buses are more environmentally friendly:

https://news.ncsu.edu/2019/08/impact-of-e-scooters/

Almost half of the trips are replacing healthier and safer walking trips:

https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2021-07-31/e-scooters-r...

I haven’t even mentioned the rental prices, which are crazy high compared to a public bus ride.

On top of that, scooters left on sidewalks are ugly and invade public space.

I’m fine with people using scooters but they should have to own and take care of them, and if scooter sharing companies are operating they should be required to ensure they are left in proper places or perhaps in designated docks. They shouldn’t be effectively stealing public land for their for-profit service.

[corrral]

> I’m fine with people using scooters but they should have to own and take care of them, and if scooter sharing companies are operating they should be required to ensure they are left in proper places or perhaps in designated docks. They shouldn’t be effectively stealing public land for their for-profit service.

Exactly this. If they'd paid for land to install racks/docks and taken measures to ensure the scooters ended up there, or partnered with local governments to create same (as in municipal bike rental racks) I'd have no problem with it. It's completely bizarre to me that it's fine to leave your crap all over the public sidewalk as long as you're a company with a scheme to make money off it.