Scooters block Columbus sidewalks causing problems for people with mobility issues

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – People with mobility issues are speaking out about a problem they face almost daily. Electric scooters are a common sight in Columbus, and while they provide a fun and different way to get around, leaving them in the middle of a sidewalk creates a challenge. 

Those with mobility issues are asking the city to do something about it. 

Over the years, more and more people are choosing to use scooters as a different mode of transportation. However, whenever a user is done with a scooter, people are asking that they be mindful of where they place them. 

According to Smart Columbus, electric scooters have been available in Columbus since 2018. One of the first enacted rules by Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther was that they must be parked on sidewalks and not blocking curb access. 

However, people NBC4 spoke with said that’s not the case. 

“If you’re going to put it somewhere, put it somewhere where it’s not in the way. Where that is depends on the location but you can’t just drop it on the middle of the sidewalk,” said Chuck Fairbanks, the vice president of the Short North Civic Association. 

This is an issue Fairbanks deals with almost every time he leaves his home. On Dennison Avenue, where NBC4 interviewed Fairbanks, three scooters were left right in the middle of the sidewalk. He showed NBC4 what he has to do in order to maneuver around them. 

“Usually I have to kick it out of the way, which is fine for me because I don't use Footrests and I can do that. But what about somebody else in the chair who can't use their feet to push stuff out of the way?” he said. 

Sometimes, kicking them out of the way still won’t work for Fairbanks. This means he’ll have to turn around and get on the road. He said that this can sometimes double his travel time. 

In the past three months, multiple complaints have been made to the city regarding this issue.

“I mean, it shows a lack of consideration for others. It's certainly frustrating,” said Chet Ridenour, coordinator for the Short North Block Watch. 

Ridenour said  that he’s submitted dozens of 311 complaints himself over the years. He thinks Columbus should look at what other cities are doing to combat this problem – a problem that he believes has only gotten worse.

“Bigger cities like Chicago, they have solutions, like all the scooters have a flexible or essentially bike lock like this,” he said. 

Debbie Briner, the public relations specialist for the Department of Public Service said that the City of Columbus works with e-scooter vendors to address devices that are parked incorrectly and block the sidewalk and curb ramps. 

Briner said that in April 2023, the department launched a pilot with eight scooter parking corrals in Harrison West. The corrals are designated by pavement markings and scooter signage. Also, through the app, riders are directed to park in the appropriate areas. If they don't, the app does not end and they could continue to incur fees for their ride.  Briner also encourages anyone to use the 311 service center, that way the city can respond. 

In a statement sent to NBC4 she said, “In addition, the city will soon issue a request for proposal for our shared mobility program, to provide combined bike share and e-scooter service. The RFP will emphasize the need for operators responding to the RFP to provide services and tools that will address managing device parking and issues around sidewalk blocking and ADA access, as well as user compliance.”

Both Fairbanks and Ridenour said they just want people to be mindful of their choices.