Users banned, routes limited after Lime scooter takeovers in Minneapolis
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Lime banned some users and put temporary restrictions on its electric scooters in Minneapolis after hundreds participated in mass nighttime rides over the weekend.
Users reported after they rented scooters Wednesday evening, the Lime scooters showed maps with geo restrictions preventing them from being ridden in downtown Minneapolis or on the highway, and the scooters were limited to speeds of 5 mph.
Lime spokesperson Kelly Harrop said in a statement that users who took scooters onto I-35W during the mass rides were banned from the app, and others who “were deemed to violate our terms of service” were issued warnings.
A third mass ride appears to be planned for Friday night.
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“We will monitor upcoming events closely and issue warnings, fines, and bans to riders who engage in irresponsible riding behavior,” Harrop wrote.
When asked why users were not already prevented from riding Lime scooters or e-bikes on highways, Harrop responded: “In the past, we had confidence in our riders not choosing to ride on highways given the clear and obvious safety concerns this presents, and because it violates our User Agreement. In other cases, highway overpasses intersect with bike paths and local streets, which would create unnecessary friction during rides.”
“Based on this recent activity, we are working closely with the city to implement geofencing as-needed for anticipated events,” Harrop added.
Local content creator Johan Vargas called for Minnesotans to join the gatherings in Minneapolis, following a trend of so-called teen takeovers in cities around the country.
In a video promoting Friday’s event, Vargas said “bring the costumes, bring the good energy, bring the speakers” and said the gathering would still happen even if Lime restricts use of its e-bikes and scooters.
Vargas did not respond to a request for comment.
Friday’s event, unlike the earlier gatherings, seems to have taken on a political message for some potential attendees. Online posters have labeled the gathering an “anti-Flock” protest, referencing the controversial license plate reader cameras used in cities around Minnesota.
Multiple Minnesota cities have ended their contracts with Flock after public backlash and vandalism of cameras around the state. The Star Tribune reports that although Flock has said the company does not work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Flock data in Minnesota was accessed for civil immigration enforcement purposes during Operation Metro Surge despite Minnesota law requiring the data only be used for criminal investigations.
The City of Minneapolis has said city government and the Minneapolis Police Department do not contract with Flock; instead, the city makes use of other traffic cameras that do not automatically scan license plates. However, the city said it cannot comment on contracts private businesses or other governments may have, and a crowdsourced app claims to show Flock cameras posted throughout the city.
MPD doesn’t “own, operate, or have access to” Flock cameras, a spokesperson said in a statement.
MPD “is aware of possible large gatherings of scooter riders planned for this weekend,” the statement added. “The City of Minneapolis will work with scooter companies to help manage where and how scooters may be operated. These efforts are intended to promote a safe environment for everyone who lives, works in or visits Minneapolis to enjoy the numerous options Minneapolis has to offer.”
Minneapolis police didn’t arrest or cite anyone involved in the first gatherings over the weekend.
