Electric scooters might be accessible quickly as a substitute solution to navigate downtown Muskogee.
Councilors granted approval Monday to an ordinance regulating use of electric scooters on Muskogee streets and a associated payment schedule. They additionally accredited a contract with Bird, a publicly traded firm based mostly in Santa Monica, California, that gives micromobility options to communities and campuses world wide.
Officials at Bird, which lately started buying and selling on the New York Stock Exchange, stated 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 stated Muskogee’s “population, location, local transportation options and rider demand” have been among the many elements thought of after 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 stated permitting using business scooters is a subject that got here up a number of months in the past throughout conversations about downtown revitalization. He stated 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 stated. “This would address the play part of it, and it addresses quality of life.”
Leon Davis, financial growth director for Muskogee Redevelopment Authority, stated using electric scooters “seems to be something that is taking off regardless of the size of communities.” He stated the scooters are marketed as “the last mile of transportation” possibility.
Bird officers say its electric options contribute to safer streets by lowering site visitors congestion and a more healthy atmosphere by eradicating carbon emissions and different pollution from the air.