LAKEWOOD, Ohio — E-scooters are back in Cleveland with new safety regulations in place to keep riders safe.
Now, other municipalities within Cuyahoga County are growing hip to the trend, including the city of Lakewood.
The city's website currently features a survey asking residents to provide feedback on the concept of bringing e-scooters and e-bikes to Lakewood. The site says the city hopes to collect residents' priorities, considerations and concerns for the scooters prior to council and leadership discussions, meaning no official decision has been made.
The survey asks residents to consider parking options and locations for the scooters, as well as the need for scooters, bikes or both. Among the parking options for the dockless scooters are controlled parking in designated to locations to flexible, anywhere parking.
Lakewood Director of Planning and Development Bryce Sylvester says the survey will remain active through the end of August.
"We do have concerns about the operation, safety and management of scooters in Lakewood," Sylvester told WKYC. "Many questions remain to be asked and answered as to whether scooters are a safe and appropriate transportation option for Lakewood citizens."
Sylvester also said the city intends to complete as much research over the next year about the scooters as possible before making a decision.
"Should establishing a local system appear favorable, we will work over the coming year with the licensed vendors and Lakewood residents towards an appropriate local program," he said.
Popularity in e-scooters has spiked in recent years as riders seek accessible, environmentally conscious transportation in urban environments, such as in Columbus on The Ohio State University's campus.
The city of Cleveland pumped the brakes on scooters last year, when Bird scooters first appeared downtown without warning. The scooters were removed amid safety concerns for riders and pedestrians.
Four vendors, including Bird, have received permission to bring their scooters to Cleveland. Bird bikes and scooters are expected to be available downtown by the end of the week, while Spin will deploy its scooters next month.
Scooters and e-bikes are not meant for sidewalks, meaning riders should stick to bike lanes whenever possible. Cleveland restricts riders to roads with speed limits no higher than 35 miles per hour, unless there are bike lanes. Riders also can't take the scooters for a spin after dark, and must be at least 18 years old. Helmets aren't required, but are strongly encouraged.
Note: This story has been updated with additional information provided by the city of Lakewood.