Columbus considers rules for scooter, pedal cab companies

The city of Columbus would start regulating rental scooters and pedal cabs under a proposal to be considered by Columbus City Council Tuesday night.

The pedal cab proposal would would require a $200 per pedal cab licensing fee, proof of insurance and a check of the criminal backgrounds of operators and company officials.

It would also ban motorized rental scooter operations until such time as the city comes up with rules covering their use.

Many larger cities have struggled with a surge of interest by businesses in providing the rental scooters to tourists and others. Issues in other cities have focused on the safety of the scooters and the clutter, because most scooter companies allow the devices to be abandoned once they reach their destination and until they are rented by another customer.

Columbus City Council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday night in the council chambers at City Hall.