A day after being notified the city of San Diego is initiating steps to revoke its operating permit, Lime Scooter is disputing allegations it violated geofencing regulations.
“We are 100 percent compliant to the city’s regulation. Any issues that they have brought up, we have addressed,” said Kimia Talebian, a representative for Lime.
In an Email dated August 16, the city notified Lime of its intent to revoke Lime’s Shared Mobility Device Permit.
“Lime was found in violation of San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC) 83.0308, Geofencing Speed and Operation Restrictions,” said the Email.
Under a city ordinance adopted on July 1, scooters must use geofencing technology to limit speeds to 8mph in certain areas.
“Lime failed to comply with geofencing speed requirements on July 13 and July 14, which led the City to issue a Notice of Violation on July 19. Lime then had ten days to get into compliance but then was found to be out of compliance again – for a third time -- on August 1. Scooter operators have been made aware on multiple occasions of the City’s aggressive monitoring of operators to ensure maximum compliance,” said Christina Chadwick, city of San Diego spokesperson, in an Email to NBC 7.
But Lime says the company has not only been in compliance, but also claims the city has failed to respond to emails asking for clarification of the violations.
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“I think we’re all on the same side. The city and us want the riders to be safe. We want to create mobility options. I wish we could work together to get this. Unfortunately at this time, we haven’t had the opportunity to demonstrate we are compliant. I guess we’ll have to do that at the hearing,” said Talebian.
According to the city's email to Lime, the Development Services Department has requested a hearing to initiate the revocation process. When a hearing date is scheduled, Lime will receive a 10-day notice. That is expected to happen in early September.
This will be the first hearing of its kind since the city safety ordinance went into effect. Chadwick says if necessary, Lime will have the opportunity to appeal any ruling against them.
“There is an appeal process following the administrative hearing. The appeal process is handled by a judge and governed by Code of Civil Procedure,” said Chadwick.
Meanwhile, residents who want the scooters banned on the boardwalk aren’t convinced the action being taken against Lime will solve the overall problem.
Paul Wilson lives on the boardwalk and has set up cameras that recorded numerous accidents and close calls.
“I’d just as soon see all of them gone. I’m not sure why they’ve singled out Lime. Lime is one of the most egregious of the speeders, but then so are Lyft, Bird, Wheels, you can pick any scooter on a given day and geofencing is lacking,” said Wilson.
