Bend may give e-scooters a try this summer
Are electric scooters part of the future of transportation in Bend? City staff told councilors this week they plan to seek proposals with the idea of introducing a three-month pilot program for e-scooters this summer.
City Manager Eric King told councilors late Wednesday they are considering a contract with up to three companies to come in and place e-scooters throughout Bend.
Officials said the e-scooters would only be in certain places, such as downtown or on the OSU-Cascades campus.
E-scooters have become a feature in many larger cities, and Portland plans to expand this year on a four-month trial program they had last year.
Bend’s conversation is still in the early stages, as the pilot program was raised with councilors for the first time Wednesday night, and t here are many questions councilors say they want to have answered.
Will people use them as a convenient way to travel short distances? Will there be a designated spot to park the scooters, or will they litter the sidewalks? Since you must drive them in bike lanes or on the street, will that add to traffic congestion? Or does that mean fewer cars will be out on the road?
” We sell this dream to tourists that we live in this beautiful place and we’re all living these wonderful lives and we’re outdoors and we’re just living the dream, ” City Councilor Barb Campbell said Thursday.
” A lot of times, that dream isn’t available for our own citizens. This is a way their own lunch break can be a fun little adventure. They can just get a little e-scooter and go down on the river trail for lunch. ”
Campbell said just because city councilors are considering an e-scooter pilot program does not necessarily mean they are in favor of the devices.
Residents of the Bend community had mixed feelings about the e-scooters as well, when asked Thursday evening.
” I think it might be something beneficial for the younger kids because then they can start thinking about how to help the Earth, ” said Emily Silver. ” It’ll help cut down on all the gas fuel. ”
” It could go either way, ” said Steven Ruiz. ” It could be really good , people getting around faster — or it could be really bad , with people getting hurt more. ”
According to Oregon Vehicle Code, you would be required to wear a helmet while using an e-scooter, and you must be at least 16 years old to operate the device.
Assistant City Manager John Skidmore said the first stakeholder meeting will be held Friday, so more details should come into view over the next few days and weeks.
