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Paris Bans Rental Electric Scooters: A Closer Look at the Decision
In a historic move, Paris has become the first city in Europe to ban the use of rental electric scooters, effective from July 1, 2023. This decision follows a referendum in which nearly 90% of voters supported the ban, targeting the three major e-scooter operators in the city: Lime, Dott, and Tier.
Growing Concerns Lead to the Ban
The decision to ban rental electric scooters stemmed from a surge in complaints and accidents involving these vehicles. Electric scooters gained widespread popularity in the French capital since their introduction in 2018. However, critics argued that the scooters were causing more harm than good. Riders were often seen driving recklessly, endangering pedestrians, and leaving their scooters cluttering pavements. Some even ended up discarded in parks and squares, and in more extreme cases, the river Seine.
Official figures painted a concerning picture. In 2022, there were a staggering 249 accidents involving e-scooters in Paris, resulting in five fatalities and 113 serious injuries. The victims encompassed both e-scooter riders and pedestrians, including children and elderly individuals. In one tragic incident, a 31-year-old Italian woman lost her life after being struck by an e-scooter carrying two people. She fell, hitting her head on the pavement, and suffered a cardiac arrest.
Mayor Hidalgo's Stance on the Ban
Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris and a staunch supporter of the ban, labeled e-scooters as "very expensive, not very sustainable, and above all, the cause of a lot of accidents." She emphasized her commitment to respecting the choice of voters, who expressed their opinions in a clear and democratic manner.
The referendum, held on Sunday, April 2, 2023, recorded a low turnout, with less than 8% of eligible voters participating. Nevertheless, the results were unequivocal, with over 91,300 out of more than 103,000 votes opposing the continued use of e-scooters. Importantly, the ban solely applies to rental e-scooters, leaving privately owned ones unaffected. However, pre-existing laws from 2019 will continue to be enforced, including requirements for high visibility clothing, riding with the traffic flow, and not parking on pavements, with fines ranging from €35 to €1,500 for violations.
Operator Disappointment and Arguments
E-scooter operators expressed their disappointment at the outcome of the referendum, contending that their vehicles represented only a small fraction of overall traffic accidents in the city. They maintained that e-scooters offered a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to cars and public transport. In an attempt to garner support, they mobilized their primarily young customers through social media campaigns and offered free rides on the day of the vote.
A European Trend
While Paris was among the pioneering cities in adopting e-scooters, it is not the sole metropolis to grapple with issues related to them. Other European cities such as Berlin, Madrid, and Brussels have also witnessed rising accidents and complaints involving e-scooters. Consequently, some cities have imposed stricter regulations or limited their numbers, while others have contemplated outright bans.
The Scale of the E-Scooter Fleet in Paris Before the Ban
Before the ban came into effect, approximately 15,000 rental e-scooters operated in Paris. The three major e-scooter operators-Lime, Dott, and Tier-were required to withdraw their fleets from the city by September 1, 2023. Importantly, the ban exclusively pertained to rental e-scooters, sparing privately owned ones from these restrictions.
