Motorized scooters decision to be discussed again in January

The debate over allowing motorized scooters in El Paso is not over.

As ABC-7 reported, the city discussed the issue Tuesday.

The focus was on whether to make a trial period to test the scooters and whether the city should let one or several companies be part of it.

To ride these scooters, people use a phone app to find one and then leave it anywhere when they’re done after paying a fee.

One of the companies that wants to bring scooters to El Paso is Glide.

It is local and City Rep. Claudia Ordaz-Perez said they’re working closer with it than others.

“I would like to roll this correctly, so I feel more comfortable with one local company,” Oradaz-Perez said. “I know Ms. Nieman — you’re shaking your head — but I prefer that.”

Karla Nieman is the new city attorney. She told city council just allowing one company could be against the law.

“Legally, the reason why we would recommend against that, representative, is because under the state constitution you’re not allowed to prohibit competition,” Nieman said.”That is why we’re recommending against just preferring one entity over all the others.”

City representatives decided to discuss the issue again in January.