Atlanta Ordinance Establishes New Permit Structure For Micro-Mobility Companies

As the city of Atlanta enters into Phase 2 of reopening, Atlantans could soon be able to rent and ride e-scooters again.

Commissioner Josh Rowan, who heads the Atlanta Department of Transportation, says the Atlanta City Council recently passed an ordinance that establishes a new permit structure for companies that want to operate shareable dockless mobility devices within the city.

“We learned some lessons the hard way, I think, the last time around when the market got flooded with the scooters,” said Rowan.

The new structure limits the number of micro-mobility companies that can operate within the city and limits the number in the fleet they can have in operation.

Companies will also be required to apply for an annual permit or a sub-permit.

On Thursday’s episode of “Closer Look,” Rowan told the show’s host, Rose Scott, that e-scooters were deemed nonessential when the city was placed under a shelter-in-place order, and companies were asked to remove their devices from city streets.

“We have conducted that permit process and have made our final recommendations to the mayor for her approval,” explained Rowan.

During the conversation, Rowan said Atlantans should expect to see e-scooters, e-bikes and sit-down scooters sometime this summer.

Guest:

• Josh Rowan, the commissioner of the Atlanta Department of Transportation

To listen to the full conversation, please click the audio player above.