IMHO it's a "negative externality" issue. Each individual saves precious seconds by leaving the scooter in the middle of the sidewalk. So a good way to internalize the cost might be to impound scooters left in the way, at the company's expense (like cars). Then the company can go through their data to determine if it was the last user's fault, or just some random jerk.

It's ultimately the company's problem, not the sidewalk-using public's problem, especially wheelchair users who can't move the scooters themselves.

(FWIW I used to charge these things as a side hustle and don't want them taken away either.)