August 3, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Los Angeles Passes Scooter Regulations

3,000 scooters each for companies in L.A.

By Sam Catanzaro

A week after the City of Santa Monica selected Bird, Lime, Uber and Lyft to be the operators in the City’s Shared Mobility Pilot Program, the City of Los Angeles passed scooter regulations of their own on Tuesday, August 4. With these two cities sharing many borders, it remains unclear how Los Angeles and Santa Monica will enforce their respective sets of regulations.

The motion passed the by Los Angeles City Council with a 13-0 vote on Tuesday, August 4 will limit scooter companies to 3,000 devices each within the City. Companies may add 2,500 devices in disadvantaged communities in Los Angeles and an additional 5,000 devices in disadvantaged communities in the San Fernando Valley. These numbers are not set in stone, however, as the Council requested the Department of Transportation to report back on the optimal number of scooters needed to fulfill riders’ needs while avoiding overcrowding.

In addition to the limits on the number of devices, the rules passed by the Council set a 15 miles per hour speed limit on scooters and e-bikes and requires companies to carry a $5 million liability insurance policy.

“The set of comprehensive and enforceable rules strike a balance between allowing dockless vehicles as a convenient, zero-emission form of short-trip transportation and holding dockless companies and users accountable for bad behavior,” wrote L.A. City Councilmember Mike Bonin in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Bonin represents much of West L.A. where scooters concentrations are often the greatest of anywhere in the City but under the 3,000 per company cap, these numbers may decrease in areas like Venice that border Santa Monica. It remains unclear how Santa Monica and Los Angeles will control the influx of scooters coming across their borders. According to Bird, the company currently deploys 8,000 scooters throughout Los Angeles and estimates place the number of Lime scooters in a similar range. 

Despite this potential for a reduced fleet size, Lime told the Santa Monica Mirror that they support the regulations passed by City Council.

“Lime welcomes the Los Angeles City Council’s approval earlier today of new regulations allowing companies to provide enhanced mobility options for the city’s residents,” a Lime spokesperson said. “In light of the council’s approval, Lime will obtain a conditional use permit to allow more of its affordable e-scooters and bikes to be available for local residents to use.” 

At the present time, Bird has not responded for a request for comment.

The rules passed by the Council Tuesday do not limit the number of scooter companies that can apply to operate in the City but does set a 500 device minimum for any company wishing to deploy scooters or e-bikes. Companies are also required to work with local councils if requested to develop geo-fencing technology to prevent scooters from being misused on sidewalks and public right of ways.

Other provisions include a requirement that scooter companies will have to develop technology to make sure devices are parked upright. Scooter companies will also have to print a notice in at least a 48-point font informing riders that scooters are not permitted on the side.

in News
<>Related Posts

Heidi Klum’s Tropical Erewhon Smoothie Drops Just in Time for Summer

August 2, 2025

August 2, 2025

Supermodel’s Limited-Edition Drink Blends Kiwi, Coconut, and Matcha Erewhon has debuted its newest celebrity smoothie collaboration, this time with supermodel...

California Bolsters Firefighting Fleet Amid Federal Cuts

August 2, 2025

August 2, 2025

The transition, which began in 2020, equips the fleet with advanced technology, including a 1,000-gallon water capacity—nearly triple that of...

Big Blue Bus to Restore Service on Route to Palisades

August 2, 2025

August 2, 2025

The restoration is part of a broader summer service overhaul aimed at improving coverage across the Westside The Big Blue...

Fatal Crash Claims 9-Year-Old’s Life in Los Angeles

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and was arrested for driving under the influence A tragic traffic...

Malibu Hires New City Manager: Ronda Perez to Lead as City Eyes Recovery and Rebuilding

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

Veteran Public Administrator Ronda Perez Brings Nearly 20 Years of Experience to Malibu The Malibu City Council has voted unanimously...

Santa Monica Creates Film Office to Streamline Permitting and Production Services

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

New Agency Will Take Over From FilmLA After More Than a Decade Beginning September 1, 2025, film permit coordination in...

Santa Monica Pier Launches “PIERfect Benefit” Fundraiser Amid Recovery Efforts

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The gathering will feature food, signature cocktails, live entertainment, and a program reflecting the Pier’s history and future. Proceeds will...

THIS WEEKEND: 49th Annual Festival of the Chariots to Roll Through Santa Monica and Venice

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The festival site at Ocean Front Walk Plaza will transform into a lively showcase of Indian culture, expecting around 50,000...

Film Review: The Fantastic Four: First Steps

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

FILM REVIEWTHE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPSRated PG-13115 MinutesReleased July 25th  The Fantastic Four: First Steps has a different aura from...

Aging Mindfully: Zen-Inspired Senior Living Takes Shape in Simi Valley

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

Two Zen-inspired senior living communities are embracing the reality of aging — consciously. Ensō Village, open since 2023 in Sonoma County,...

Palisades, Malibu Among Areas Exempt from SB 9 Under Newsom’s Wildfire Safety Order

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

Newsom Sides with LA Leaders on SB 9 Freeze, Mayor Bass Issues Executive Order Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed...

‘All Stars’ National Night Out Coming to Santa Monica on Tuesday

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

The event, themed “Santa Monica All Stars,” aims to foster police-community partnerships through a sports-inspired evening The Santa Monica Police...

City of Santa Monica Issues Statement on Surprise DTSM Board Member Replacement

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

Santa Monica City Government Defends Emergency Action and Process After the surprising move from the City Council, six members of...

Texas Kitchen Chain to Open Santa Monica Location at Former Fresh Corn Grill Site

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

The Santa Monica outpost will occupy a 3,050-square-foot space featuring a newly built kitchen and a large outdoor patio HomeState,...

Film Review: Together

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

By Dolores Quintana Dave Franco and Alison Brie, a married couple in real life, star in Michael Shanks’ gruesomely passionate...