After being pioneers in micromobility and experiencing a significant boom during the pandemic that boosted sustainable mobility, Paris banned the use of electric scooters.
On the initiative of the French Capital’s Mayor, Anne Hidalgo, a referendum was held for citizens to express their opinion regarding the vehicles and the fate once their contracts ended, in force until next August 31.
Although the vote was advisory, Hidalgo pledged to implement what the majority of voters decided.
The electric scooter has generated divided opinion since its launch on the streets. It is an environmentally friendly vehicle of great utility for the personal mobility of citizens. However, its critics allege the danger they pose to passersby, in addition to the fact that sidewalks are littered with poorly parked scooters.
Scrutinies
After the day’s voting, 89.03% of Parisian voters decided to reject the renewal of contracts for electric scooter rental companies.
As a result of the vote, the agreements for these companies (Lime, Dott and Tier), which will have to withdraw the 15,000 scooters they have deployed in the city by August 31, will not be extended.
Read also: European Union Publishes New Regulation to Accelerate Sustainable Mobility
The Reasons
One of the reasons given by the detractors of electric scooters for their ban is the insecurity caused by them.
According to official figures, in Paris, these vehicles caused a total of 459 accidents in 2022, with 426 injuries and three fatalities.
It should be noted that the accidents recorded last year are double compared to 2019, when these personal mobility vehicles had not reached their peak.
The measure also represents a hard blow to the economy, since with the termination of the contracts, 800 jobs are left vacant.
