A new way to zip around town may be coming to Hastings as the city council passed an ordinance Monday to allow Bird Rides, Inc., an electric scooter ride sharing business, to apply for an operating license in the city.
Bird scooters recently expressed interest in expanding their ride sharing business into Hastings, according to Community Development Director John Hinzman.
While Bird has yet to approve their expansion into Hastings, Monday night's ordinance on micromobility vehicles now allows for Bird and other small vehicle ride sharing businesses to apply for a license to operate in the city.
Councilmember Jen Fox expressed she was very excited for electric scooters to come to Hastings.
“After all of the conversations we’ve had as a council about tourism and the importance of it, this is just one more step to make that possible,” Fox said.
Councilmember Tina Folch wasn’t as excited for the addition, saying how she’s seen these scooters become a “nuisance” in other cities with them “littered all over sidewalks.”
If Bird Rides expands into Hastings, the scooters would be dispersed throughout the city and anyone 18 and older could rent one by using the Bird app on their smartphone.
Users can ride Bird scooters as long as they want and would have to park them within designated parking areas in the city.
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