Seattle plans pilot program for sharable electric scooters

SEATTLE (AP) – The rentable electric scooters that have popped up in cities throughout the country could appear in Seattle next year.

The Seattle Times reports Mayor Jenny Durkan announced Wednesday that her administration will soon start forming a pilot program to allow scooter shares.

The city has previously banned the foot scooters, and city law prohibits their use on sidewalks and bicycle lanes.

The mayor’s office says the pilot program will set rules that include where the scooters can park and be used and whether helmets will be required.

The city says it will likely start accepting permit applications in the fall so scooters could hit the streets early next year.

The mayor’s spokesman, Mark Prentice, says five scooter companies have responded to the administration’s December letter seeking information.