The potential change would create a “scooter-free zone,” which would include some of the busiest parts of Houston, including downtown, midtown and east downtown.
HOUSTON — Electric scooters could be banned in several major parts of Houston if proposed changes to city ordinances move forward.
The City of Houston is considering establishing a “scooter-free zone” in some of the city’s busiest areas. A map shows that the zone would include downtown, midtown and east downtown.
The proposed amendments to Chapter 45 of the Code of Ordinances are meant to “reduce safety hazards, prevent public nuisances, and align with the City’s long-term vision for a safer and more pedestrian-friendly community.”
But scooter rental companies are pushing back against the proposal. That includes Swerv Scooters, which is located just down the street from the Toyota Center.
“It’s kind of unfair, especially for us, that we do everything under the regulations,” Swerv Scooters co-owner Emilio Montes said. “I believe the problem here with the scooters is like all the vendors that are doing it illegally, and don’t educate the customers about the city ordinances.”
Montes said the “scooter-free zone” would shut down his business, something that he and his family have invested a lot in.
“It would be a worst-case scenario for us. Both me and my wife, the owners, we went in full-time to this business. We had careers, and this is our livelihood,” Montes said.
But some Houston residents support the scooter ban and said they side with the city when it comes to safety issues.
“I think they’re very dangerous. They are not good for the city. I mean, you see them coming out, out of nowhere sometimes,” Houston resident Flor Martinez said.
Houston resident Mario Martinez added, “They’re dangerous. For the kids really, you know, I’ve been out here on several occasions. I almost got run over.”
STARYD Scooter Rentals, which opened just a couple of months ago on Main Street near Lamar Street, said they understand those concerns. But co-owner Mohammad Sharif Hotak added that there must be a way to reach a middle ground with the city.
“They should work with us, small business owners, and make it more safe, you know. They can make it more safe, not ban the scooters, which if they ban the scooters, they’re going to throw us back. We want to move forward as a city,” Hotak said. “We can work with them, enforce the law, and then work with us so we can ensure the safety.”
The proposal will be discussed at the Houston City Council’s Quality of Life Committee meeting this Thursday, July 24, at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held in the Anna Russell Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, at 901 Bagby Street in Houston.
Business owners, including those from Swerv and STARYD, told KHOU 11 News that they plan to attend to voice their concerns.