PRESS RELEASE

December 8, 2020
Contact: Stephanie Jackson | (c) 501 539 3960 | (e) sbjackson@littlerock.gov

Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. Releases Statement on Veto

Of Dockless Mobility Technology (Scooter) Ordinance

“Improving quality of life and place is a top priority of my administration. And since their
introduction into our community, motorized scooters have been an extremely popular method of
entertainment and short-range transportation.

“So, last week it was disheartening to see the amendments added to the ordinance to permit
Dockless Mobility Technology within the City of Little Rock. We must set reasonable policy to
attract more amenities to Little Rock. After careful review of amendments one and three by the
City Attorney and me, I will veto the ordinance for the following reasons:

“Amendment one, to require companies to provide or approve helmets for riders, is unduly
burdensome and beyond the scope of appropriate city policy. We can ensure safety and require
helmets, if we deem necessary, but this amendment is unfeasible and unenforceable.

“Amendment three, which prohibits scooter operation in any area ‘that is zoned R-1 or R-2,’
does not consider the complexities of our city and its diverse neighborhoods. We can
administratively address scooter issues within certain neighborhoods, without implementing a
ban on all neighborhoods. Such a ban would not equitably serve our city’s needs and residents.
Additionally, residents don’t generally know what a particular area is zoned, so riders could
experience odd cutoffs while operating the scooters.

“Lastly, enforcement of these amendments would require additional time and effort by the Little
Rock Police Department, which is focused on more serious crimes and violations. Also, these
amendments require profiling to determine riders’ ages. This is not the approach our City will
take.

“I look forward to working with the Board of Directors to address safety concerns without
unduly burdening our residents, our police, or the scooter system operators.”

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