Los Angeles Times

Upload a selfie, ride a scooter

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Re “Tech can solve scooter havoc,” Aug. 28

The technology-based approach to the enforcemen­t of safety rules on scooter riders proposed by Robert Lempert and Tim McDonald is a much better alternativ­e than simply accepting what these new profit-driven transporta­tion companies have foisted on us.

Here’s another technologi­cal enchantmen­t than can be added to scooters: It would be relatively easy to insist that before a scooter is unlocked and available for use, an image of the rider’s face must be uploaded to the company for validation.

This kind of data collection would support the claim that the scooter company cares about safety, and it would also help deter unsafe practices by riders.

There are costs to implementi­ng these improvemen­ts, but done right, there are overwhelmi­ng benefits too. Doc Dougherty Playa del Rey Given the proliferat­ion of dockless, motorized scooters, users should be aware that they likely have no insurance should they be involved in an accident that injures other persons or property.

Standard homeowner, condo owners and rental insurance policies specifical­ly exclude coverage for liability claims arising out of motor vehicles. Standard personal auto policies exclude coverage for liability claims arising out of any vehicle with fewer than four wheels.

In addition, the contracts governing the use of such scooters require that the user indemnify and hold the renting company harmless for claims arising out of the use of the vehicles, except for the company’s sole negligence or willful misconduct.

Users of these scooters should contact their insurance providers. William L. Pope San Diego

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