Disability rights group alarmed by Portland e-scooter rules

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A disability rights nonprofit has filed a letter of complaint with the city of Portland over new rules for its electric scooter pilot program, which just began its second phase.

Disability Rights Oregon says in the letter Thursday that the city’s decision to have residents file complaints about the ubiquitous e-scooters directly with the private scooter companies instead of with the city reduces transparency.

Emily Cooper, the nonprofit’s legal director, says the change in how complaints are filed increases the danger to the public, including those with mobility issues.

Portland fielded 6,000 complaints in the first four-month phase of its pilot last year.

Brianna Orr, with the Portland Bureau of Transportation, says companies must report complaints monthly to the city and will be audited if anything seems off.

The program is intended to help avoid pitfalls experienced by some other U.S. cities.