DENVER — The Denver City Council voted unanimously to ban electric scooters on Denver sidewalks, barring a few exceptions.
Under the new ordinance, users can only ride e-scooters on sidewalks in two situations: First, when parking a scooter. Second, immediately after mounting a scooter but before reaching a street or alley. During those times, users cannot exceed more than 6 mph.
Otherwise, riders must stay on the street or use bike lanes.
Denver Public Works estimates people take roughly 6,000 trips on e-scooters every day. Right now, there are 2,800 licensed e-scooters available on Denver’s streets. In a survey conducted by Public Works from August 2018 to January 2019, results found 60 percent of people surveyed have either been involved in a crash or had a near-miss with an e-scooter.
The ordinance goes into effect once Mayor Michael Hannock signs the ordinance. A spokesperson for Denver Public Works said that is expected to happen this week.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited to clarify when users can ride e-scooters on sidewalks.