San Francisco Seizes Scooters to Curb Sidewalk Clutter

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) -- San Francisco has pulled the plug on electric scooters that authorities say were blocking sidewalks and building entrances.

READ MORE: S.F. Seeks to Require Permits for Dockless Scooters

Public Works inspectors impounded about 66 scooters on Friday.

The crackdown comes about two weeks after companies that rent the standup scooters deposited hundreds of them throughout the city. The scooters can be rented through an app and dropped off anywhere.

Officials say that's the problem with the trendy transportation -- people are leaving them anywhere.

Public Works spokeswoman Rachel Gordon says the three scooter companies -- Lime, Bird and Spin -- will be fined at least $125 for each impounded scooter.

They can pay the fine, appeal or solve the problem.

The companies say they'll work with the city to find solutions.

© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report