Micromobility for Hancock County?

FINDLAY — The University of Findlay and the Hancock-Hardin-Wyandot-Putnam Community Action Commission wants the community's feedback on implementing an e-scooter and e-bike program in the area. E-bikes and e-scooters are gaining popularity in cities across the United States. They are considered a type of "micromobility" vehicles, defined by the Federal Highway Administration as "any small, low-speed, human- or electric-powered transportation device, including bicycles, scooters, electric-assist bicycles, electric scooters (e-scooters), and other small, lightweight, wheeled conveyances." University of Findlay student Octavian Dungee, alongside Crystal Weitz, mobility manager at HHWP CAC, are collecting feedback from the public through a short survey about the value of an e-bike or e-scooter program in Hancock County. The survey can be reached at https://forms.office.com/r/xkQ2xZJCW8. "We only have HATS in Findlay, and taxi cabs," Dungee said. HATS, or the Hancock Area Transportation Service, is a bus service that transports community members to any location in the city or Hancock County for a small fee. Out-of-county transport is also available on an as-needed basis. HATS runs from 7:15 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Monday-Friday. "So for students — mainly international students or students who don't have transportation — (UF will) offer a ride to Walmart, (but) only on Saturdays," Dungee continued. One last option is to walk to a destination if HATS, a taxi or a friend isn't available for transportation. "Sometimes it's not a pleasant walk, especially at night," he said. Bringing e-bikes and e-scooters to Hancock County could make travel easier by adding another transportation option for the community, Dungee said. "I believe that this program will help out not just students, but a lot of community members here," he said.