E-scooters: Here are 10 things to know about the dockless vehicles in Corpus Christi

Located primarily in downtown Corpus Christi, e-scooters have been a part of the Sparkling City by the Sea since October 2018.

Originally, three electric scooter companies set up shop in Corpus Christi, but one, Bird, flew the coop after opting not to sign a licensing agreement to take part in a six-month pilot program — which also implemented a $1 per scooter fee.

Most recently, the City Council approved an ordinance capping the number of scooters, setting maximum scooter speed limits and designating parking spots in the city.

Here's what the Caller-Times has learned about e-scooter rentals at the start of 2023:

How many e-scooters are in Corpus Christi?

There are currently two companies providing dockless scooters in Corpus Christi. Blue Duck Express scooters are black and blue, and there are about 250 e-scooters throughout the city. Lime scooters are white, lime green and black, and there are about 100 scooters throughout Corpus Christi.

Where can they be found?

Most e-scooters can be found in downtown Corpus Christi, but you may find some in the Southside and Central City.

How much money does the city earn from rentals?

Per the city's current licensing agreements with the scooter providers, Corpus Christi receives revenue from the different types of fees, according to the city's finance department.

The first is an annual fee of $60 per dockless vehicles available for rent in Corpus Christi. The second is a fee of $0.30 per ride each time an e-scooter is activated to be ridden within city limits.

The fiscal year 2023 budget includes $225,000 from revenue generated by the dockless scooters.

Are e-scooters allowed outside of Corpus Christi?

The city’s licensing agreement only covers areas within city limits.

Corpus Christi does not have jurisdiction over e-scooters that may be ridden outside of city limits.

Have there been any deaths or injuries associated with the rentals?

The finance department of Corpus Christi said no deaths have been reported, but an "extremely low" number of minor injuries have been.

Jennifer Carr, regional director of trauma services for Christus Spohn Health System, said the hospital has received patients with injuries from riding the scooters about once a month.

Some of the injuries include abrasions, contusions, broken arms, broken legs and one broken hip.

Carr said she recommends riders wear safety gear, including a helmet and elbow and knee pads.

"There definitely needs to be parental supervision," Carr said in a phone call. "Always be on the lookout when your child is riding one. While it's two wheels, an e-scooter is not like a regular scooter or a bicycle. Be aware that they are electric, not gas. You need to understand the power of it."

What are the benefits and downsides of e-scooters?

According to the finance department, some benefits include recreation, ease of use and a different option for citizens to move around in Corpus Christi.

A downside is they could be seen as a safety hazard when riders improperly discard the vehicles and they are left scattered around. To combat discarded e-scooters, scooter providers make multiple scooter sweeps daily.

Additionally, Corpus Christi has installed 51 scooter corral drop zones and plans on adding more in the future.

Have any e-scooters been fished out of Corpus Christi waters?

There have been few reports of scooters in the water, the finance department said.

Scooter providers routinely walk the seawall and Bayfront areas looking over the water to look for scooters that may need capturing.

In November 2018, a month after the city first got e-scooters, resident Michael Mota posted on Facebook an image of two Blue Duck e-scooters in the water at McGee Beach.

Who is in charge of the rentals?

The two private companies operate and maintain the dockless vehicles.

How do I make a report about the e-scooters?

Contact the companies directly to report any issues with the e-scooters.

For Blue Duck, visit flyblueduck.com/connect and fill out a request form.

For Lime, email support@li.me or call 1-888-LIME-345.

Where am I able and not able to park the e-scooters?

Dockless vehicles must be parked upright on sidewalks. They cannot be parked on streets or in parking spaces.

E-scooters may not be parked in a way that blocks:

• Bicycle lanes

• Transit stops, shelters or platforms

• Commercial loading zones

• Railroad tracks or crossings

• Passenger loading zones or valet parking service areas

• Disabled parking zones

• Street furniture that requires pedestrian access, such as benches

• Building entryways

• Vehicular driveways

• Pedestrian access, including disabled access

• Wheelchair ramps

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva.

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Here are 10 things to know about e-scooters in Corpus Christi