Electric scooters might be out there quickly in its place strategy to navigate downtown Muskogee.
Councilors granted approval Monday to an ordinance regulating use of electric scooters on Muskogee streets and a associated price schedule. They additionally authorized a contract with Bird, a publicly traded firm primarily based in Santa Monica, California, that gives micromobility options to communities and campuses all over the world.
Officials at Bird, which just lately started buying and selling on the New York Stock Exchange, mentioned it’s “thrilled” in regards to the alternative “to bring micromobility options to one of the top 15 most populous cities in Oklahoma.” Bird officers mentioned Muskogee’s “population, location, local transportation options and rider demand” have been among the many elements thought-about once they approached metropolis leaders with a proposal.
The firm will present a minimal of 100 stand-up electric scooters when it launches its service in Muskogee.
“A growing list of cities, states and countries are looking to micromobility alternatives, such as scooters and bikes, not only as a means of minimizing congestion but also as a way to support local economic recovery,” a Bird spokesperson said. “We are looking forward to working with Muskogee to offer residents safe and sustainable transportation during the pandemic and beyond.”
Mayor Marlon Coleman mentioned permitting using industrial scooters is a subject that got here up a number of months in the past throughout conversations about downtown revitalization. He mentioned electric scooters and bicycles have confirmed to be a “huge success” in different cities.
“We have wanted to make sure we have a city where we can live, work and play,” Coleman mentioned. “This would address the play part of it, and it addresses quality of life.”
Leon Davis, financial improvement director for Muskogee Redevelopment Authority, mentioned using electric scooters “seems to be something that is taking off regardless of the size of communities.” He mentioned the scooters are marketed as “the last mile of transportation” choice.
Bird officers say its electric options contribute to safer streets by lowering site visitors congestion and a more healthy surroundings by eradicating carbon emissions and different pollution from the air.