GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Bird electric scooter arrived unannounced in Greensboro a few months ago. Since then the city has worked to come up with a decision on their future.

  • Greensboro leaders are working to determine whether or not they should keep Bird scooters
  • The city can ban the scooters, make a permanent ordinance for them to stay, or do a pilot program where they're kept on a trial basis
  • Police are advising the process when it comes to public safety.

Currently, a city ordinance bans electric scooters from downtown sidewalks, any city street, and bike lanes.

"There's really not a permitting framework for the scooters right now, and that's what we're talking with council about is, 'Do we want to allow them?' If so, what are the rules and responsibilities of both operators and the riders?" Chris Spencer said. He works for the Greensboro Department of Transportation.

Before the city council makes a final decision, likely in November, the DOT, police department, and city attorneys are discussing several possible options.

The city can ban the scooters, make a permanent ordinance for them to stay, or do a pilot program where they're kept on a trial basis.

The police are advising the process when it comes to public safety.

"We are able to kind of speak to the safety issues that we may see specifically as it relates to different areas of the city. Downtown is very different than Wendover and 40," Captain John Thompson said.

It's not just riding safety that will be addressed. They're also looking at where the scooters are parked, because many times leaving them on sidewalks blocks the area for handicap accessibility.

No matter the outcome, officials want people to be aware and responsible.

"Whenever the city council and the city come to an agreement on what the ordinance will be, I think for us education is going to be our biggest impact. To get the word out, let people know, and try to influence their behavior that way," Thompson said.