City council to allow the public to weigh in on motorized scooters Tuesday

El Paso City Council is mulling over whether to allow motorized scooters on city sidewalks, but before it makes a decision, it will allow the public to weigh in Tuesday.

City representatives have not made a decision yet after more than one company expressed interest in launching a scooter-sharing program in areas of El Paso.

‘Glide’ launched its pilot program in October to show city leaders and residents how the scooters would be used.

City officials said riders would have to remain on the sidewalks while the scooters are in use.

With companies like Glide, the rider uses a mobile phone application to find a scooter and then leave it anywhere when they are done. Glide employees would then go around picking them up.

The El Paso Police Department said it would rather have a docking station for the scooters because it could become a nuisance.

“If you’re riding those things on the sidewalk it could be dangerous for the people who are actually walking on the sidewalk, but I think if they’re riding in the street it could be dangerous for them because there are cars in the street. So it’s a catch twenty-two,” said one UTEP student.

“Well, I think it would be good for our city. We have a lot of people who aren’t so active and maybe that could help get people out and about and moving around,” said another student.

During Tuesday’s city council meeting, officials will have a public comment period in which residents can express their opinions about the motorized scooters.

Public comment begins at noon and will be allowed for an hour.

Speakers who want to take the podium must sign up at City Hall by 9 a.m.