Advocate For Disabled Sues Over Electric Scooters

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) _ An advocate for people with disabilities is taking the city of Minneapolis and two electric scooter companies to court.

Noah McCourt says the electric scooters have made city sidewalks inaccessible. McCourt, who has autism and a coordination disorder, says he was injured while tripping over a scooter at a light rain station.

Minnesota Public Radio News reports the federal lawsuit filed Wednesday says the scooters are also an impediment to people who use wheelchairs. McCourt claims the city and scooter companies are violating the American with Disabilities Act.

The city declined comment on the lawsuit. One of the other defendants, Lime, says it's working to educate users about proper riding and parking etiquette. The other defendant, Bird, ended operations in Minneapolis in late 2018.

Minnesota law generally prohibits riding electric scooters on sidewalks.