Aspects of the electric scooter program in West Hollywood have been controversial, including the use of companies like Bird, which declared bankruptcy in December. (Beverly Press/Park Labrea News file photo)

Electric scooters have been controversial with West Hollywood residents since the city implemented its dockless mobility program in July 2021. In December, a pedestrian was struck and seriously injured by a speeding e-scooter in front of MedMen’s Santa Monica Boulevard location. Provisions have been set forth by the City Council in attempts to promote scooter safety, including a 10-mph speed limit and guidelines for cleanup from mobility contracting companies like Lime.

Since then, only two e-scooter or e-bike accidents have been reported to the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. Through April, only three citations had been issued to scooter riders in 2024. But May saw a significant uptick in the number of citations issued to scooter riders, jumping to 23.

“We have increased our focus on scooter riders who have not been following the rules of the road which can endanger pedestrians,” Capt. Bill Moulder said. “Our amazing traffic deputies have increased enforcement, and we have also conducted focused operations to address this issue.”

“Whenever the city issues citations of any kind, the goal is always to promote compliance with the law,” Councilman John Heilman said. “There are rules in place for scooters, just as there are rules for other types of vehicles. Those rules are designed to promote public safety. I hope that increased citations will lead to greater compliance.”

One of the most vocal opponents to the e-scooter program has been resident Mikie Friedman, who advocates for a total ban on scooters in West Hollywood.

“This so-called enforcement is too little too late,” she said. “Since the majority of scooter riders are tourists and kids, I have very little hope that finally after two years of no enforcement, [now] ticketing what [amounts to] one scooter [user] a day is going to … [eliminate] the danger to pedestrians.”

In January, Mayor John Erickson pointed to the safety of scooters and bicycles versus cars.

“While attention [has been given to] this horrific accident, we also then should look at how cars continue to hit bikes and pedestrians, as well,” he said.

“I wouldn’t be so anti-rental scooter if the people riding them weren’t so immature, inconsiderate and selfish. West Hollywood brags that it is ‘the most walkable city.’ So, for that to be true, sidewalks should be safe for pedestrians, particularly for people living with disabilities and older adults … but really for everyone,” Friedman said. “With scooters, e-bikes, delivery robots and outzones [outdoor dining areas] all taking up sidewalk space, it makes it very, very dangerous just to take a walk nowadays. Add to that the recent rise in crime and the actions of the mentally ill unhoused population, and it becomes understandable why people like me have become homebodies and rarely venture out.”

Last year, the West Hollywood City Council extended its contacts with Lime and Bird, although Bird declared bankruptcy soon after.

In a June 18 interview with the Beverly Press, Erickson suggested that the issues brought forth by the community should be addressed through infrastructure improvements.

“We need to continue to build infrastructure so scooters, bikes and pedestrians can all safely be together on our sidewalks and streets,” he said. “So, people don’t feel the need to ride a scooter on the sidewalk when driving or riding along busy streets like Santa Monica Boulevard or Fountain Avenue.”