Ann Arbor Rolls Out App-Based Sobriety Checks for E-Scooter Riders to Stop Drunk Riding

Ann Arbor officials backed a plan that will make riders pass phone-based sobriety tests before unlocking scooters at night. The city council voted yes in June on stricter safety measures with Spin, which runs the scooter service, to reduce the risk of nighttime crashes.

"Scooters and e-bikes are a great option for getting around town, but we know late-night impaired riding is a real risk," wrote Councilmember Dharma Akmon, according to The Michigan Daily. They continued: "The sobriety check is a simple tool to prohibit people from hopping on if they've been drinking."

State rules make it clear—riding while drunk breaks the law. First-time offenders face misdemeanor charges. The new plan pushes Spin to slash helmet prices, repair scooter problems faster, teach safety basics, and track all crashes.

A student's death last year pushed the city to act fast. "We tragically lost a student last year in a late-night crash," Akmon wrote to The Michigan Daily. They added, "While this step won't stop every problem, it adds protection for riders."

U-M psychiatry expert Dr. Erin Bonar pointed out key risks in an email to The Michigan Daily. "Drugs and alcohol slow down how fast you can react," she wrote. Bonar also wrote, "You might feel fine, but your body can't move quickly enough to stay safe."

Student views show why the city needs these rules. "People don't think it's like drunk driving," Rita Hajjar, a U-M student, told The Michigan Daily. "The scooters sit all over campus, and students just want a quick way back after parties."

Questions remain about the test's real-world impact. "We might see fewer crashes from drunk riders, but what happens when someone fails the test?" Bonar asked while communicating with The Michigan Daily. In addition, she stated, "They still need a safe way home. Are we giving them good options?"

This marks a fresh take on scooter safety in cities. The plan goes past just checking if riders are sober—it pushes for better training, gear, and strict rule enforcement to keep streets safer.