EVERETT — After two weeks into the pilot launch of rentable scooters, two things are evident: People are illegally riding them on sidewalks, and barely anybody’s riding with a helmet like they’re supposed to.
But who carries a helmet with them?
The city is working to find more places where people can borrow a helmet as Lime scooters have been spread across the city.
Free, Lime-branded helmets are available at the Mayor’s Office on the 10th floor of 2930 Wetmore Ave., Mayor Cassie Franklin has emphasized. They’re also now at The Vintage Cafe, 1508 Hewitt Ave., and may soon be available at the Downtown Everett Association’s office, 2707 Colby Ave.
The Vintage Cafe’s owner Jim Staniford told the City Council last week that evening riders need places after 5 p.m. to borrow a helmet. He said he’d be happy to give away helmets, and a day later the city brought some over.
He also suggested offering a vending machine with helmets.
City officials note that practically any helmet is acceptable to use, such as a bicycle helmet.
The three-month pilot program with Lime is being coordinated closely with city leaders.
Police Chief Dan Templeman told the council that officers are educating riders on scooter use for its enforcement during the pilot program.
Lime has said the phone app people use to pay for and unlock scooters warns to wear a helmet, and stickers with the same message are affixed to the scooters.
Staniford also noted teenagers are riding scooters at night. The age restriction for Lime is 18.
