photo courtesy of Serve Robotics
Serve Robots have been used since 2020 for food deliveries in West Hollywood. Some residents claim the robots can be hazardous. (photo courtesy of Serve Robotics)

Some West Hollywood residents have been filing complaints about the city’s allowed use of delivery bots, specialized remote-control robots that are contracted by UberEats to drop food off throughout the city. In the last few years, the bots have become a regular feature in West Hollywood, each complete with its own homogenized name. But community members say the devices do more harm than good.

Stephanie Harker, who describes herself as a “beleaguered pedestrian” of West Hollywood, cited numerous times she’s witnessed the delivery robots unable to stop properly or be able to navigate more complex traffic issues. She added that the bots were initially tested at a senior living complex in Redwood, California, which she believes was not a proper comparison to navigating the busy streets of West Hollywood.

“I think the real complaint is that … sidewalks are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and every time one of those is on the sidewalk, or in the streets in the public right of way, they’re violating ADA,” Harker said. “And it can be very hazardous.”

Harker mentioned a time that one of the robots stalled in the middle of a crosswalk, directly in the way of oncoming traffic.

Serve Robotics owns and operates the delivery bots, and the company stressed the safety of the devices.

“Safety is paramount for us – so we’re taking this feedback very seriously and working hard to make sure all potential issues are addressed,” Serve told the Beverly Press in a statement. “Serve Robots are exponentially safer than cars. They move at walking speeds and were designed with input from seniors and the disability rights community to ensure they are good citizens on the sidewalk. Our standard operating procedures call for robots to not block sidewalks, driveways or entrances to buildings. In the interest of public safety, Serve Robots only enter crosswalks on a new green light, and we exercise caution when moving around pedestrians or automobiles. We address any potential issues promptly, through collaboration with the city of West Hollywood and via our online feedback form.”

The pilot program was approved in March 2020 by the City Council. Councilman John Heilman and Councilwoman Lauren Meister were the only current council members on the dais at the time.

“The delivery robot program is a pilot project designed to see if we could reduce the number of automobile trips in the city,” Heilman said. “The program has been operating for several years. We need to evaluate whether the program has been successful in terms of reducing vehicle trips, but we also need to look at the concerns which have been expressed by members of the community about the impact on pedestrians.”

Meister said she would withhold comment since the item is likely to come back before the council soon. Mayor Pro Tempore John Erickson stressed that the city takes resident concerns seriously.

“People support different transportation modes for both delivery and micro transportation options,” Erickson said. “It is important to remember that you may see a delivery robot passing you by ‘on delivery,’ but that is also your neighbor getting dinner or other needed services and utilizing this technology. While some may not like delivery bots, others in their neighborhoods do and it’s important to ensure that everyone’s opinion is taken seriously and we work to find a middle ground for all parties.”

Sidewalk blockages have been of particular concern to West Hollywood residents, including some living with disabilities, as more electric transportation has popped up on the roadways. On Oct. 16, the City Council is expected to again discuss the pilot program involving electric scooters. Scooters have been a source of contention with some residents who complain that riders often use and block sidewalks.

“I am an elderly senior,” Harker said. “I was walking to Smart and Final [on Santa Monica Boulevard] and a kid zipped by me, I had to lean to the left a little bit or he literally would have plowed into my back. So, I scream, ‘Get off the sidewalk,’ and he flipped me off behind his back while he was still riding away from me.”

“While you cavalierly usher in Disabilities Awareness Month, you continue programs that hurt people living with disabilities,” West Hollywood resident and former city disability advisor board member Mikie Friedman said at the Oct. 2 City Council meeting. “If you force us to share sidewalks with scooter riders, abandoned scooters and delivery robots, how can you say that you are concerned about the safety and access of disabled people who live here?”