Daily Record poll finds majority doesn't want any form of scooter ban

The Daily Record’s online poll from Jan. 24- Feb. 7 asked readers whether they think a city motorized scooter ban should be written to only affect commercial rental motorized scooter companies.

A decision on a motorized scooter ban in San Marcos has been postponed.

The San Marcos City Council voted 7-0 during a Jan. 7 regular meeting to postpone a vote on ordinance 2019-46, on second reading, which amends the San Marcos City Code by “adding a new Article 9 that prohibits motor-assisted scooters on public property, streets and sidewalks.”

The ordinance would not apply to mopeds, motorcycles, motor-assisted bicycles or motorized mobility devices designed for transportation of persons with physical disabilities.

According to City Manager Bert Lumbreras, the ban is meant to get a head of the privately-owned motorized scooter rental companies that have caused safety issues in other communities. But concerns over banning the use of personal motorized scooters as opposed to banning commercial rental motorized scooters arose during discussion regarding the ordinance.

With the vote to postpone, council is asking city staff to look into how to differentiate between company-owned scooters and personal scooters as well as how can those who own a personal motor-assisted scooter use it in public if the ban is enacted.

The poll asking, “Do you think a motorized scooter ban should be written to only affect commercial rental motorized scooter companies?” received a total of 213 votes, with the majority of votes — 45 percent or 96 votes — going to option “I don't think there should be a scooter ban at all.” Thirty-three percent of voters chose, “Yes, only the commercial rental scooters should be banned, in order to prevent the safety issues they present.” And 22 percent, or 47 votes, opted for “No, all motorized scooters, private or commercially-rented, should be banned on public property.”

A slight majority of poll voters think there should not be a scooter ban at all. Every week, the Record gives its readers the opportunity to voice their opinions on different topics. This poll does not, and does not purport to accurately depict public opinion. It is only intended to inspire thought-provoking discussion within the community.

SMDR’s new poll is available online now and asks for readers’ opinions on whether they think passing the CROWN Act in Texas, a law that would ban discrimination based on hair textures and styles commonly associated with race, would be beneficial. It can be voted on now.