Waymo Robotaxis and Lime Scooters Set Ablaze Amid LA Protests

In early June 2025, Los Angeles became the epicenter of intense protests sparked by immigration raids conducted by federal authorities. Among the chaos, several Waymo robotaxis and Lime e-scooters were deliberately targeted and set ablaze by demonstrators. This violent episode underscores the growing friction between emerging urban mobility technologies and socio-political unrest.

Protesters attacked at least five Waymo autonomous vehicles on Los Angeles Street, damaging tires, smashing windows, and spray-painting anti-ICE slogans. Three of these vehicles were set on fire, with some Lime e-scooters thrown into the flames, intensifying the destruction. The LAPD warned that burning lithium-ion batteries from these devices release toxic gases, posing health hazards to bystanders.

The motivation behind targeting Waymo’s vehicles remains unclear. However, past incidents reveal that law enforcement agencies have utilized footage from robotaxis to aid criminal investigations, which may contribute to public distrust. Since launching its self-driving service in Los Angeles in late 2024, Waymo’s fleet has faced multiple vandalism incidents in various cities.

The protests themselves began as a response to aggressive ICE raids that led to over 100 immigrant arrests. What started as peaceful demonstrations escalated into violent confrontations, including freeway blockades and clashes with law enforcement. The federal government responded by deploying National Guard troops, a move opposed by California officials citing state sovereignty concerns.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of IoT and autonomous vehicle infrastructure amid social unrest. The destruction of these assets not only disrupts urban mobility but also raises important questions about the role of technology in public spaces and its intersection with political tensions.

Implications for Urban Mobility and Technology Deployment

The repeated targeting of autonomous vehicles and shared e-scooters during protests reveals a complex challenge for cities embracing smart mobility solutions. These technologies, while designed to improve transportation efficiency and reduce emissions, can become flashpoints when public sentiment turns against perceived surveillance or corporate involvement in contentious issues.

For companies like Waymo and Lime, safeguarding their fleets requires more than physical security—it demands strategic community engagement and transparent policies around data use. Additionally, understanding protest dynamics through data analytics can help anticipate risks and adapt deployment accordingly.

Law enforcement’s use of robotaxi footage for investigations adds another layer of complexity, potentially fueling distrust among communities wary of surveillance. Balancing public safety with privacy and civil liberties will be critical as autonomous and shared mobility technologies become more widespread.

Looking Ahead

The Los Angeles protests serve as a stark reminder that technology does not exist in a vacuum. Urban mobility providers must navigate a landscape where social, political, and ethical considerations intersect with innovation. Proactive risk management, community dialogue, and adaptive technology deployment will be essential to ensure these advances serve the public good without becoming unintended targets.