Shared Mobility Devices were the hot topic at the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee on Oct. 10. Government Affairs Committee Chair David Mirharooni moderated the forum, which featured a discussion with representatives from several companies specializing in the shared mobility market, including Morgan Roth (Bird), Karla M. Ownwanne (Lime), Douglas Curl (Spin) and Tom Schreiber (Perch). Blair Schlecter, Vice President of Economic Development and Government Affairs, tells the Courier that the majority of the company’s representatives focused their comments on the use of scooters and Perch shared that its company provides charging areas for scooters. City of Beverly Hills Public Information Officer Keith Sterling told the Courier that there is currently a ban in Beverly Hills on the use of shared mobility devices; however, there is a City study session scheduled for Oct. 29 to consider a potential pilot program.
Schlecter explained that the Committee decided to take up the issue of shared mobility devices because business owners had expressed interest in learning more about the subject matter. He stated that questions from business owners included how to handle people riding scooters on the sidewalk, how to ensure that scooters are parked in appropriate places, and how not to block pedestrian walkways. “Some of the companies have new technology that they are working on to educate people about safety,” he explained. This technology includes safety tips on company apps that users can access on phones and other smart devices.
