Springdale hopes to enter agreement with SPIN for E-bikes, scooters
SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The orange electric scooters seen around Fayetteville could be coming to Springdale within a few months.
Springdale’s City Council Committee passed an amendment to the city’s business license ordinance that would allow for micromobility devices on Monday. The city is hoping to enter a one-year agreement with SPIN, having 50 electronic bikes and 50 electronic scooters being deployed throughout the city.
Tristan Hill, the city’s active transportation coordinator, said one of the main reasons behind the move is to help with parking issues in Downtown Springdale.
“Whether it’s just for recreation — you want to go explore downtown,” Hill said. “Or if it’s for transportation — if you need to go pick up your groceries or whatever it might be. And so, we hope that this is beneficial to the community.”
Hill said the scooters will mainly be used in the downtown service area, which he describes as “a couple blocks north and south” of Emma Avenue. The bikes will be dispersed throughout the city and can be used anywhere within the city limits.
There is a mapping system within each bike or scooter that will keep it within its designated area and in city limits, Hill said. He added that if a rider leaves the device’s designated area, “it will just stop and not let you go any further.”
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Jenny Wellington is a Springdale resident. She said Downtown Springdale isn’t as congested when she visits.
Wellington thinks the scooters and bikes will be a more convenient way for people to explore downtown.
“Being able to get up and down without having to find parking and go through that process,” Wellington said. “Or even move your car, if you want to go from one end (of Emma Avenue) to the other.”
Boston Daniels is a bartender with The Odd Soul, a bar and restaurant in Downtown Springdale, saying that, on weekends, his parking spot is “already gone.” He said there could be economic benefits for local businesses with the scooters accessible to people.
“We want bodies in the door,” Daniels said. “We want everybody having our pizza, having our beer, and I know this is a good way to get them down here.”
Daniels sees environmental benefits as well, noting that the electric-powered bikes and scooters will not contain harmful emissions.
He said a scooter has to “just be present,” and he’ll want to hop on and ride it.
“I’ll rock a scooter any day,” Daniels said. “I’m ready to scoot scoot and boot. It’s going to be a good time.”
Hill said with the full city council’s approval this month, bikes and scooters could be deployed as early as the spring.
After the one-year trial is completed, Hill said the city will evaluate whether or not it wants to continue the program with SPIN.
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