How can dockless bike and scooter companies make money?

Dockless rental bikes at the corner of Grape and India Streets in San Diego's Little Italy on March 8, 2018. Merchants are not happy with the bikes cluttering sidewalks. (Eduardo Contreras/San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS)

SAN DIEGO: In just a matter of a few months, hundreds of dockless bicycles and scooters have appeared on the streets and sidewalks of San Diego. 

Some have praised them as effective ways to get around town and reduce traffic congestion. Others have complained they clutter sidewalks and that too many riders don't follow the rules of the road, posing safety hazards to pedestrians.