Sharing electric scooters may be coming to AltonNov 09
Aldermen meeting as a committee of the whole on Monday night will discuss an agreement with Bird Rides Inc., based out of California, to provide stand-up electric scooter rentals in Alton.
The scooters would have a maximum speed of 20 miles an hour. They can be ridden on streets, bike lanes and bike paths, but would not be permitted to be used by anyone 17 or younger.
Under the proposal, the rental scooters will be available 4 a.m. to midnight.
Parking for these scooters, called “furniture zones,” would be placed in designated areas approved by the city. The spaces would include bicycle parking.
People would be able to rent thee scooters using an application on their cell phone.
According to the company’s website, to start a ride people would scan the QR code on the scooter or manually enter a multi-digit code. Once the clock starts, manually a rider would kick-push it to get it moving, then press down on the throttle. From there, the vehicle will be fully electric.
The contract, if approved by the city, would last one year and renew for a successive six-month period.
Also on Monday, aldermen are scheduled to discuss:
• Improving State and Brown streets.
• Authorizing five additional parking spaces at Bluff City Grill.
• Authorizing demolition of 1201, 1203, 1205 and 1207 E. 7th St. in Alton.
• Authorizing the temporary closure of Martin Luther King Boulevard, Washington Avenue, 20th Street and College Avenue for the 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Motorcade Celebration planned 1-3 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2022.
