City Divided As Hoboken Ponders Future Of E-Scooters

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken’s controversial e-scooter pilot program has come to an end. But opinions remain divided when it comes to the future of the transportation devices in the Mile Square City.

On Nov. 20, the city’s six-month experiment with e-scooters officially ended. In order for the program to continue, the City Council will have to approve an official extension.

The next regular meeting of the Hoboken City Council will take place on Dec. 4.

The original pilot program in Hoboken involved two vehicle providers: Lime and Ojo. However, the city canceled its contract with Ojo in September amid safety concerns.

According to city officials, more than 670,000 trips were taken within Hoboken by about 82,000 unique riders during the pilot period.

• See related article: E-Scooter Pilot In Hoboken Almost Over; Will City Say Adieu?

IN SUPPORT OF E-SCOOTERS

A pair of separate surveys – one released before the pilot ended and another released afterward – both showed that a majority of people support e-scooters in Hoboken.

On Sept. 30, Councilman Michael Russo put forth a question on social media: “Should Hoboken continue allowing e-scooters after the pilot program ends in November?”

Russo later released results of the survey, which saw 3,118 responses, about 80 percent of which were from verified Hoboken residents:

• Yes – 42.24%
• Yes, if they update tech/restrictions – 26.4%
• No, not at all – 29.67%

One way or the other, people apparently had strong opinions about e-scooters in Hoboken; only 1.7% of the respondents said they were “not sure.”

Another study – done by the Hoboken’s Department of Transportation and Parking – showed similar support for e-scooters in the city. (See full results)

That study, released on Nov. 25, surveyed about 2,100 people between Oct. 23 and Nov. 10. Among those who responded, 93 percent were Hoboken residents, and 66 percent said they had ridden a scooter at least once during the pilot program.

When asked if the e-scooter sharing program should continue in Hoboken, here’s how the vote went:

• 48.5% of respondents agreed
• 26% agreed, but with improvements to the program
• 25% disagreed

“Missing them already!” one rider wrote on social media. “As a south side resident, the north seems so far away again.”

“I loved the Lime scooters and really miss the Ojo,” another wrote. “I used them to get to/from the PATH and to run quick errands in town."

According to Phil Jones, senior government relations director at Lime, the city's survey shows that the overwhelming majority of Hoboken residents would like to see e-scooters return to the city.

Jones stated:

"This survey and our rider data demonstrated: scooters replaced hundreds of thousands of car trips in Hoboken, making the air cleaner and streets safer; scooters improved connections to transit, speeding up commutes and reducing traffic; scooters boosted local businesses by easing connections and making everything in town more accessible. As the first city in New Jersey to operate scooters, we are grateful to the City of Hoboken and its residents for welcoming our innovative transportation option, and look forward to continuing to serve the people of Hoboken in the future."

Both Lime and Ojo have condemned intoxicated riding and have offered to work with local police on safety efforts.

• See related article: 'Geofencing' Can Help Hoboken Enforce E-Scooter Ban, CEO Says

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NO E-SCOOTERS IN HOBOKEN

However, many social media users have criticized Hoboken’s e-scooter pilot online, alleging that the devices are a safety risk.

Several e-scooter riders have been charged with DWIs since the program began. In September, a rider on an Ojo scooter struck a mother walking her child in a stroller on 8th and Clinton streets. Neither the woman or her baby sustained serious injuries.

When Hoboken officials announced the city’s recent survey results on social media, several people offered scathing comments against e-scooters. Seen online:

• “This survey was flawed... no more scooters!”
• “It is so nice to drive without dodging scooters darting out from all directions. Also crossing the streets are a lot safer without arrogant jerks driving the wrong way and on sidewalks. When you tell them they just laugh.”
• “They are extremely dangerous. Until the issue with double parking is resolved, these simply do not work on a busy street like Washington. I have seen countless people weaving in and out of the main roads on Washington because the ‘bike lane’ is filled with trucks and cars daily. It is only a matter of time before a major accident takes place. They are fun, but the well-being and safety of the residents is more important in my opinion. Not to mention, with people backing into parking spaces now, it is that much more dangerous.”

Among the most vocal critics of e-scooters in Hoboken has been the Bad Scooterists Hoboken Twitter profile, which has regularly shared video footage of apparent safety violations.

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