Paris Bans E-Scooter Rentals

Paris citizens have voted overwhelmingly to ban e-scooter rentals in the city. Almost 90% of voters were in favor of the ban, which affects rental e-scooters and not those owned by private individuals. The socialist mayor, Anne Hidalgo, promised to follow the vote, even though it is not legally binding.

The three providers Lime, Tier, and Dott will now have to remove their fleets of around 15,000 e-scooters from the city. Paris was one of the first cities in Europe to introduce rental e-scooters in 2018, but they have since become a controversial topic.

Mayor Hidalgo has criticized the throwaway mentality of riders who she says do not take care of the vehicles. E-scooter proponents appreciate their convenience for covering short distances, but opponents argue that they are often left in inconvenient places and pose a risk to pedestrians. In addition, e-scooters have a poor ecological balance.

Last year, there were more than 400 accidents involving e-scooters in Paris, resulting in three deaths. This has led to increased concern about their safety and has contributed to the decision to ban rental e-scooters.

The ban on e-scooter rentals in Paris follows the trend of other major cities around the world, which have regulated or restricted the use of e-scooters. Some cities, such as Barcelona and Montreal, have banned their use entirely.

In response to complaints, the providers of e-scooters in Paris reduced their speed to 10 km/h in around 700 areas in the city center. However, this has not been enough to address the concerns of citizens and officials.

It is worth noting that the ban only affects rental e-scooters and not those owned by private individuals. Last year, 700,000 units were sold in France, indicating that there is still significant demand for personal e-scooters.

The decision to ban rental e-scooters in Paris has been met with mixed reactions. Proponents of the ban argue that it will make the city safer and reduce congestion on sidewalks. Opponents, however, argue that it will limit transportation options for residents and tourists.

Despite the controversy, it is clear that e-scooters are here to stay. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see more efficient and sustainable forms of personal transportation in the future. In the meantime, cities around the world will continue to grapple with the challenges posed by e-scooters and other emerging forms of transportation.