COLUMBUS, Ohio — The popularity of renting electric scooters shows no signs of slowing with thousands of rides taking place in Ohio’s biggest cities each day. But that’s also creating a need for more standardized rules for riders to help make streets and sidewalks safer for everyone.

Even though it’s not a traditional motor vehicle, electric scooter riders are still required to obey rules of the road. Events like Lime’s First Ride Academy are helping users keep safety top of mind.

“It’s important to be able to make sure that everyone can travel through the neighborhood without obstruction,” said Jared Cape, secretary of the Short North Civic Association.

The organization invited Lime to the Thompson Community Center to meet with neighbors and help collaborate on ways to work together for the benefit of all.

Cape said the two biggest complaints he hears from people living in the community are about people riding scooters on sidewalks and parking scooters in a way that blocks sidewalks and access ramps. He said the city will need to invest in some infrastructure improvements to have a real impact.

“Building out those bike and scooter networks, putting down those painted, dedicated parking spaces,” Cape said.

Lime Operations Manager Jordan Edwards said many of the concerns raised are common among all communities that offer electric scooter rentals. He said Lime’s working with the city and residents to find ways to mitigate some of the issues, like adding more mandatory parking locations and geofences.

Edwards also suggested requiring “slow zones” in specific areas where scooter riders would need to reduce speeds.

“A hopeful future of working together and kind of putting this all together,” he said. Edwards said he’s hopeful some programs suggested will be approved by city leaders and launched by the end of this year, if not sooner.

Lime said riders can receive warnings, fines or possibly even account suspensions for parking violations.