SMPD Hosts Electric Scooter Education And Enforcement Campaign

SANTA MONICA, CA – The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will be conducting an education and enforcement campaign Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Santa Monica. The purpose of the event is to make sure electric scooter users are aware of and are following important public safety laws outlined in the California Vehicle Code, according to SMPD.

The city has a complicated history with electric scooter companies such as Bird and Lime, and their users. In December 2017, the city filed a criminal complaint against BirdRides, Inc., the motorized scooter rental company, for operating illegally in the Santa Monica after they repeatedly refused to comply with city citations, according to a City of Santa Monica press release.

In February, Santa Monica police started cracking down on motorized scooter riders, issuing 92 tickets in one week for various traffic violations including failure to wear a helmet, according to Lt. Saul Rodriguez.

One Twitter user, Scot Lawrie, said he was issued a $190 ticket for riding without a helmet.

In June, Lime scooters were introduced to Santa Monica. Less than a week later, a rally was held at Santa Monica City Hall in preparation for a City Council vote on a pilot program that would impact scooter rental companies. City Council unanimously approved the 16-month program, which includes the use of electric scooters and bicycles to expand mobility options on city streets and sidewalks, according to a city statement.

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