The overview
Lone Star Rydables are ADA-compliant motorized scooters with an animal covering designed for users to ride during specialized tours. The Lone Star Rydables team wanted to host guided tours on Oak Street once or twice a day to visit businesses and restaurants, according to a presentation from the business.
Lone Star Rydables officials planned to partner with businesses along Oak Street to bring a pre-chosen menu and drinks for the participants. Applicant Ken Goodman said the company specifically wanted to work outside of peak business hours.
The details
One of the concerns was pinpointing when the tours can happen in the Special Use Permit allowing the scooters, Roanoke Police Chief Jeff Williams said. Though Goodman stated the business didn’t want to have tours during peak hours, it would be hard to specify when peak hours are because they could change based on the season.
Roanoke Fire Chief Chris Addington had concerns about the scooters catching fire while they charged and Williams noted some areas on Oak Street where the walking path is smaller and may not fit the motorized scooters with pedestrians.
“I do think that the elephant in the room [is] the appearance of these scooters,” Council Member Bryan Moyers said. “I don't particularly care for them.”
The backstory
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the motorized scooters at the May 19 meeting after several discussions with the applicant. This triggered a super majority within the city council, meaning six of seven members had to vote in favor for the scooters to be allowed on Oak Street.
“My impression with [planning and zoning] and talking about it with the board members is that they were trying to find a reason to be in favor of this, but ultimately they could not be in favor of this,” Council member Brian Darby said.
