If you live in a major city, you’re probably seeing Bird and Lime electric scooters everywhere. They may look abandoned, but they’re actually ready waiting for any user to pick up and pay to use with a smartphone app. They may look like easy pickings for thieves, but Bird and Lime have adopted various measures that have kept theft and vandalism to a minimum.

These companies have every incentive to innovate and implement ways to secure and maintain their resources, because the scooters are their private property. They fully benefit from such care and fully suffer the costs of any negligence. Compare this to communal/public property, which is so often overused and under-maintained.

In this episode, FEEcast explores the philosophy and economics of private property. Why is it important? Should property rights be “balanced” against other rights? Watch, consider, and comment!

Show Notes:

Sharing Economy 2: Electric Scootaloo

Safety Regulations Could Kill the Scooter Revolution (But They Totally Won’t)

Aristotle Understood the Importance of Property

John Locke: Natural Rights to Life, Liberty, and Property

“Stepping Out” by David Sedaris

“Right to Roam” (podcast)

New Challenges to Californians’ Beach Access