Rider Injured As E-Scooters Launch In Massachusetts

BROOKLINE, MA — A woman fell off an electric scooter and had to be hospitalized just moments after town officials and curious residents finished an inaugural ride in Brookline Monday marking the launch of the first electric scooter-sharing program in Massachusetts.

"There is a learning curve," said Heather Hamilton, of the Brookline Select Board. She added even when you take every precaution, scooters — like any mode of transportation — can be dangerous. "I would just urge everyone to go slow, if you have not ridden on a scooter like this, practice before you go out on the road. Be mindful of where you are and try to be responsible."

The woman suffered minor injuries. She was wearing a helmet, though it was a bit big for her, according to witnesses. She was alert and conscious when taken to the hospital.

"Like anything new, it's going to take a little getting used to," Select Board Chair Neil Wishinsky told Patch after his first ride.

Brookline agreed to a pilot program with California-based e-scooter companies Lime and Bird, which provided about 200 scooters that are now available to the public.

Wishinksy said he's used to riding bikes but now sees himself riding scooters occasionally. He said if the pilot is to be a success, riders will have to follow the rules of the road.

"Don't crash through red lights and be very careful and cognizant of where you park the scooters," he told reporters gathered to mark the occasion.

Earlier this month, the Select Board approved a six-month pilot program that would allow the dockless, ride-share scooters around town. The idea is that residents will trade short car trips for emissions-free scooter rides.

In November, the town will reevaluate whether the scooters should stay on the road.

State Director of Transportation Chris Dempsey told Patch the program is a test.

"I see it as an opportunity for us to learn more about electric scooters here," said Dempsey, a Brookline resident. "There's no set conclusion about who they should be regulated or what the rules around them should be. This is an opportunity for feedback. That's why we're doing a pilot. No one should think this is a final decision."

Representatives from the Town of Brookline, Bird and Lime were on hand to let folks who were curious take a scooter out for a test ride and walk them through the steps.

The e-scooters look like hefty razor scooters, with a motor, accelerator and hand brakes. The scooters are GPS-enabled and connect to an app. Potential riders will have to open the app, find a scooter nearby and unlock it with a code. The companies recommend riders wear helmets and only go on short trips. They also asked that riders leave the scooters in places that are away from cars and don't block sidewalks.

If you happen to take a scooter into a neighboring community, the scooter companies will retrieve the scooter within the next two hours, according to officials.

RELATED:

Electric Scooter Pilot Program To Start In Brookline

Electric Scooters Scoot Closer To Rolling Out In Boston