From left: Ald. Howard Brookins (21), Chicago Department of Transportation Comm. Gia Biagi and Ald. Michele Smith (43) during a hearing on e-scooters on Thursday

Representatives of e-scooter companies argued on Thursday that a permanent citywide scooter program would ease car traffic, reduce pollution, open new transit options and add a much-needed new stream of revenue for the city. 

But many aldermen aren’t so sure.