Technology slows sidewalk scooting

New technology to keep pedestrians from dangerous interactions with scooters on sidewalks is being tested in San Francisco, according to the SFMTA.

The technology enables the device to detect sidewalk riding in real time. Once detected, the scooter automatically slows the rider to a safer speed.

The SFMTA held a demonstration of the scooter sidewalk riding detection technology this week with scooter operators Lime, Scoot and Spin. 

Scooter sidewalk riding is illegal pursuant to the California Vehicle Code and poses significant risk to pedestrian and scooter rider safety, particularly for older adults or persons with disabilities using the sidewalk, SFMTA noted.