Tech Talk: e-Scooters, Safety, and Laudato Si

• In major cities across the US, Bird and Lime electric scooters are proliferating. These electric scooters are app driven, dockless and starting to crowd the sidewalks of major cities.
• Some cities, including San Francisco, have banned scooter companies for operating without permits.
• See this article for a look at how Google is getting involved in the scooter “funding wars" and how these are being compared to transportation “disrupter” companies Uber and Lyft.

What do parents need to know about e-scooters?

• Primarily, it’s important to know that the scooters are only supposed to be driven by 18+ with a valid drivers license.
• The scooters run off smartphones apps with a $1 per scoot and .15 per minute in-app charge for rides.

Are there any safety concerns with using these scooters?

• Yes, see this recent article from the Los Angeles times citing major safety concerns for riders.
• Riders agree to wear helmets while operating scooters, but many do not. The scooters' top speeds of 15 mph may seem slower than vehicles or even some bicycles, but limited visibility, riders not following safety rules and underage riders are causing accidents to rise.

On the plus side, how can technological modes of transportation like these scooters help us live the precepts of Laudato Si when used responsibly?

• In his encyclical letter Laudato Si, Pope Francis acknowledges the scientific realities of climate change and writes, "All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.” (p. 14)
• One of the stated goals of the companies is to reduce traffic, congestion and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing car trips of less than two miles.
• Bird has issued an “SOS” (Save Our Sidewalks) pledge to promote safe riding and responsible growth to avoid environmental issues.