Lime and Bird are now on the hook for bad scooter and e-bike behavior in Denver

Denver City Council unanimously passed a law that holds scooter companies accountable for user behavior, aiming to reduce sidewalk clutter and enhance pedestrian safety. The legislation fines companies like Bird and Lime for improperly parked scooters, shifting the responsibility from city authorities to the companies themselves. Riders will need to pass a knowledge test before renting a scooter or e-bike, and companies must install sensors to detect sidewalk riding. Advocates, including members of the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association, support the law, citing issues faced by pedestrians with mobility challenges. The law also mandates that companies allocate 5% of their fleets for people with disabilities and submit anonymized data on user behavior.

This new approach is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, as Denver joins other cities like San Francisco in implementing similar regulations.