Electric scooters banned in New Braunfels for 90 days
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - The sidewalks and streets were bare in New Braunfels on Sunday. There wasn't an electric scooter in sight. That's because the City of New Braunfels announced last week a temporary ban on electric scooters.
"I don't think they should be banned it doesn't make sense to me. Use their resources for something better," said Jack Bosmans. Bosmans doesn't agree with the ban and says electric scooters make it easier for people to get around.
He says he's seen electric scooters grow in popularity in Austin and San Antonio.
"I think it would be a lot of fun. I think it would get a lot more kids out of their houses if they could get around without having to walk. A lot of kids here really don't have cars," said Bosmans.
According to Austin's Dockless Mobility website, Austin currently has more than 14,000 registered stand-up and seated scooters in the city. In New Braunfels, the ordinance cites safety as the driving force behind the temporary ban.
Parker Towery agrees with the cities move and says he seen how the scooters are abandoned on streets and sidewalks. "I support the city 100% on this. I don't how we will regulate them. Some of the bigger issues is them getting thrown in the river," said Towery.
Towery says prior to Wednesday's ban, he saw some scooters from a company called Unicorn downtown on Monday, but the scooters appeared to have been all gone by Wednesday. "They were pretty much and had a unicorn attached to the post it was the New Braunfels unicorns."
FOX 7 Austin checked and no scooter companies currently operate in the city.
While the order is in place, New Braunfels police will be able to cite anyone using an electric scooter acquired through a shared mobility service, like Bird or Lime. If cited a violator can face a fine up to $500. The ban is scheduled for 90 days or until the council moves to allow the scooters and bikes back into the city.
While the city officials work to come to a decision, Towery advices people to take alternate routes of transportation. "I recommend them walking that's what I would recommend," said Towery.
For more information on the temporary electric scooter ban, click here.
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