HONOLULU (AP) - An electric scooter rental company has temporarily suspended operations in Honolulu after city officials defined the scooters as mopeds, which are not allowed to be parked on sidewalks.
The Honolulu Department of the Corporation Counsel notified the company Lime on Thursday that penalties can be imposed for each violation of a state law prohibiting parking that creates hazardous conditions or public nuisances, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported .
The company had placed the scooters on Honolulu-area sidewalks for people to rent. Users unlocked and paid for the scooters through a smartphone app.
In a statement, the company said it decided to suspend the service while it reviews the relevant code and examines its next steps.
“We hope to be able to work collaboratively with city leaders to establish a sensible regulatory framework around this new shared scooter model so that we can return to serving the City & County of Honolulu,” the company said the statement.
The state law cited by Corporation Counsel Donna Leong states that each violation could result in up to a $1,000 fine or 30 days in jail. The penalties could be imposed on anyone who parks the scooters, including company representatives or riders, Leong said.
The scooters are considered mopeds under state law because of their engine power, two wheels and ability to be ridden, Leong told the company. The scooters also require city registrations and license plates.
Lime had 200 scooters placed around the city last week. Police impounded 96 after complaints of obstructed sidewalks or scooters left on private property.
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Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser, http://www.staradvertiser.com
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