Columbus E-scooter Policy Addresses Wheelchair Accessibility

E-Scooter Congestion: Columbus Advocates Demand clear Sidewalks for People With Disabilities

By Archyde news Staff | Published april 9, 2025

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The proliferation of electric scooters and bikes in downtown Columbus and the Short North has sparked a debate, highlighting the challenges faced by residents with disabilities navigating the city’s sidewalks.While these devices offer convenient transportation options for many, they pose significant obstacles for those who rely on wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Chuck Fairbanks, a downtown Columbus resident since 1998, epitomizes this concern. Fairbanks, who uses an electric wheelchair, has logged thousands of miles navigating the city streets and sidewalks. He notes the inconsiderate parking habits of some scooter users create daily hurdles.

people just tend to stop wherever they stop and drop the scooter wherever they drop it, without regard to where it is indeed or whether or not it’s in anybody’s way.

Chuck Fairbanks, Columbus Resident

Fairbanks emphasizes the importance of accessible infrastructure for everyone. I need to get around the same as you do, so the more difficult it is for me, the more of a pain in the neck it is, he stated, underscoring the frustration caused by haphazardly parked scooters and bikes blocking sidewalks and curb ramps.While he can frequently enough dislodge lighter scooters, the heavier e-bikes present a greater challenge.

Ohio law prohibits obstructing pedestrian traffic with parked motor scooters or bikes, a provision under the Ohio revised Code. However, Fairbanks reports that violations are common, notably on sidewalks near side streets.

The situation in Columbus mirrors concerns across the U.S. In california, for exmaple, disability advocates filed lawsuits as early as 2019 concerning e-scooters blocking sidewalk access. The lawsuit, filed by the Disability Rights California (DRC), targeted the city of San Diego and scooter companies like Bird, Lime, and Razor, emphasizing that People with disabilities need to have access to city sidewalks and their needs must come frist. this legal action underscores a nationwide push for equitable access in public spaces amidst the rise of micro-mobility solutions.

City Initiatives and Vendor Responses

In March, the City of Columbus Division of Mobility and Parking Services implemented a new contractual program. Deborah Briner with the city’s Department of Public Service, explained that this approach replaces the prior right-of-way permit system, allowing the city to more effectively hold vendors accountable for proper scooter management. It takes a contractual approach to e-scooters and bikes instead of the previous approach, wich issued right-of-way permits to vendors.Briner said that will allow the city to hold vendors accountable and enforce their agreements.

The Division of Mobility and Parking Services is also collaborating with Veo, one of the scooter companies operating in Columbus, to establish a new parking policy specifically tailored for the University District, Short North, and downtown areas. This policy will designate specific parking zones and implement no-parking areas to mitigate sidewalk obstruction. Furthermore, the city plans to introduce parking fines and surcharges for users who park scooters or bikes outside of designated areas.These fines will be collected by the vendors and passed on to the offending users.

Briner acknowledges that implementing these measures will take time and has requested patience from residents during the rollout phase. She also shares Fairbanks’ sentiment asking users to think about where you’re putting it down, and is it going to be in somebody’s way sitting where it is indeed… And think about people who might not be able to move it out of the way.

Vendor Promises and Technological Solutions

Veo and Spin, two major players in the Columbus e-scooter market, have responded to the concerns with promises of improvement and innovative solutions.

Veo stated that they take sidewalk access seriously, and we’re actively working to improve the way our vehicles are parked to keep sidewalks clear and accessible. The company highlights its collaboration with the city to strengthen parking policies and geofencing rules, creating mandatory parking areas. They are also testing an AI-enabled Virtual Parking Coach, providing riders with real-time feedback on their parking and preventing ride completion if the vehicle is improperly parked.

Spin is implementing a multi-pronged approach, including:

• Parking Photo Review: Using human and AI tools to ensure riders properly park their scooters, issuing warnings and fines to repeat offenders.
• Mandatory Parking Zones: Collaborating with the City of Columbus to enforce parking in specific locations, continuing per-minute charges until the scooter is correctly parked.
• Safe Streets Team & Tidy Crew: Investing in local teams to proactively manage scooter parking in high-traffic areas using a proprietary algorithm to predict parking violations.
• Increased Proactive Rider Education: Continuously updating digital and in-person messaging,offering incentives for compliant riders,and requiring riders to review scooter etiquette.

The Path Forward: Balancing Innovation with Accessibility

The issues in Columbus highlight the delicate balance between embracing innovative transportation solutions and ensuring accessibility for all residents.While e-scooters can offer a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transport,their deployment must be carefully managed to prevent them from becoming a hindrance for people with disabilities.

To ensure the sidewalks of Columbus are accessible and safe for all residents, the city, scooter vendors, and the community must collaborate.

The table below summarizes the key stakeholders and proposed solutions:

Stakeholder	Proposed Solutions
City of Columbus	Contractual agreements with vendors Designated parking zones Fines for improper parking
E-Scooter Vendors (Veo, Spin, etc.)	AI-powered parking enforcement Mandatory parking zones within the app Street teams for proactive scooter management Rider education and incentives
Community (Residents, Scooter Users)	Report improperly parked scooters Use designated parking zones Be mindful of pedestrians with disabilities

The city’s contractual approach seems to be a step in the right direction. However, consistent enforcement and community involvement are key to its success. Residents can report improperly parked scooters to 311 or directly to the vendor, with contact details typically found on the scooter itself.

The situation in Columbus echoes similar challenges in cities across the United States. As micro-mobility continues to evolve, cities must prioritize inclusive planning and enforcement to guarantee that innovative transportation options do not compromise the accessibility and quality of life for its most vulnerable residents. Ensuring clear sidewalks is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a matter of equity and respect.

What steps can Columbus take too further improve e-scooter accessibility for residents with disabilities?

E-Scooter Accessibility in Columbus: Interview with City official Deborah Briner

Interview with Deborah Briner, City of Columbus Department of Public Service

Archyde News: Thank you for joining us, Ms. Briner. The issue of e-scooter accessibility in Columbus is clearly gaining traction. could you start by summarizing the city’s core concerns regarding e-scooter sidewalk obstruction and the challenges faced by residents with disabilities?

Deborah briner: Thank you for having me. Primarily, we’re focused on ensuring equitable access to our sidewalks. The improper parking of e-scooters, especially in high-traffic areas, presents a significant obstacle for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids. These obstructions are not just a nuisance; they can be genuinely risky.

City initiatives and New Approaches

Archyde News: The city has recently implemented new contractual agreements with scooter vendors. Can you elaborate on how this approach differs from the previous permit system and how it strengthens the city’s ability to manage these issues?

Deborah Briner: Absolutely. The new contracts give us more direct leverage.Instead of merely issuing permits, we can now hold vendors accountable for the behavior of their riders.These contracts detail specific requirements, including the designation of parking zones, the enforcement of no-parking areas, and, very importantly, the implementation of fines for improper parking. Vendors are responsible for collecting these fees from users.

Collaboration with Scooter Companies

Archyde News: We understand the city is collaborating with companies like Veo to establish new parking policies. can you provide specific examples of these initiatives, such as the designated parking zones and no-parking areas in the University District and downtown?

Deborah Briner: Certainly. In partnership with Veo, we’re implementing clearly marked parking zones in the university District, Short North, and downtown.These areas are designed for easy access. We are also designating “no-parking” zones, notably at curb ramps and intersections, to ensure sidewalks remain passable. This will be enforced through geofencing and, consequently, the app.

Addressing User Behavior and Enforcement

Archyde News: Concerns have been raised regarding the enforcement of parking fines and how those fees will be levied. How does the city plan to effectively manage this,and what mechanisms are in place to track and address repeat offenders?

Deborah Briner: enforcement is a collaborative effort. Veo and Spin, for example, are responsible for collecting fees from users who park outside the designated areas. The vendors can also issue warnings and, for repeat offenders, suspend their accounts. The city reviews vendor data regularly to ensure compliance. We encourage residents to assist further by reporting improperly parked scooters to 311 or directly to the vendor.

The Future of Micro-Mobility in Columbus

Archyde News: Looking forward, what are the key steps the city is taking to balance the benefits of e-scooters with the needs of all residents, particularly those with disabilities? Are there any technological innovations we can expect to see?

Deborah Briner: We are committed to creating a solution that works for everyone. This involves an ongoing dialog with vendors, continuous monitoring for improvement and adaptation, as well as the city’s evaluation of implementing additional technology. Expect to see enhanced geofencing, a wider roll-out of AI-enabled parking, and more robust mechanisms for reporting violations. Furthermore, we are focusing on rider education and incentives for compliant behavior.

A Call for Community action

Archyde News: A final thought, Ms.Briner. What message would you like to give the community about contributing to accessibility and respectful use of e-scooters?

Deborah Briner: My message to residents is simple: be mindful. Consider where you park your scooter. Will it block someone’s access? Think about people who may not be able to move it or maneuver around. Together, we can make our city accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Archyde News: Deborah Briner, thank you very much for your time and for shedding light on these importent initiatives. We believe these steps are essential for creating a more inclusive city. We welcome reader interaction. what, if anything, does columbus need to do to better address e-scooter accessibility?