So you want to rent an electric scooter to check out the sights? Better head to Fort Lauderdale.
Hollywood has now banned the controversial devices.
The ban, which took effect immediately after the commission vote on Wednesday, extends from the western neighborhoods all the way to the Broadwalk, a popular beachfront promenade already humming with bicyclists and skaters.
The new law also prohibits the sale, rental and leasing of e-scooters, motor scooters and two-wheeled, gas-powered go-peds within city limits. Under the new rules, such devices cannot be ridden on any street, roadway or sidewalk in Hollywood.
Commissioners got a warning last month from City Attorney Doug Gonzales telling them now is the time to approve a ban or they may not get the chance.
State legislators are considering a law that would forbid cities from regulating dockless scooters.
State law prohibits scooter riders from taking to the streets, but many do it anyway, weaving in between traffic and pedestrians. E-scooter riders are supposed to be 18 or older, but some ignore the rule.
Critics say the scooters put riders at risk, along with pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists.
Commissioner Caryl Shuham said she didn’t want to see abandoned scooters taking over the sidewalks.
“All of us were concerned about the scooters littering the sidewalks like we see in Fort Lauderdale,” she said. “And there’s been a shocking number of injuries in Fort Lauderdale. But the real motivation was to not have state legislation undermine the city’s ability to self-govern when it comes to the issue.”
Fort Lauderdale has seen accidents rise after welcoming dockless scooters last fall.
Resident Mitch Anton told commissioners he was worried about enforcement. He says he walks the Broadwalk every day and rarely sees a police officer.
“There’s other dangerous situations going on along the Broadwalk,” he said. “Unless you have officers there [it won’t be enforced].”
Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4554. Find her on Twitter @Susannah_Bryan.