Paris Set to Vote on the Ban of E-Scooters

Parisians are set to vote on the ban on e-scooters according to France 24. Mayor Anne Hidalgo invites the city to cast their vote on April 2. In the meantime, what could this mean for the rest of Europe? 

Paris was one of the first major cities to introduce rental e-scooters in 2018. Following their arrival, the city has seen a rise in popularity with several major companies, such as Lime, Dot, and Tier hoping to renew their schemes next month. 

If the City of Love has embraced e-scooters with open arms, why is there turmoil in the affair? France 24 reveals that Hidalgo alongside David Belliard, deputy of urban transport, are both in favour of the ban. In September of 2022, the Paris City Council threatened major operators with the non-renewal of their licences because of the “reckless riding” and misuse of the non-pollutant vehicles. For example, riders run red lights, travel in pairs and many abandon them in public spaces, such as the Seine river. 

In response, operators in November tried to combat these problems. One suggestion being including license plates on e-scooters so that any riders disobeying the rules could be tracked and reported. Belliard, however, continues to support the ban as he labels rental e-scooters “dangerous”. Hidalgo, meanwhile, remains respectful of any outcome from the vote. 

Interestingly, however, Hidalgo told Le Parisien that privately-owned e-scooters were “not a problem”. Other cities, such as Lisbon, Ljubilina and Rome have recently placed stricter regulations on rental e-scooters. One rule that is popular is speed limits in an attempt to make electric two-wheel vehicles safer. If the vote is in favour of a ban – what could this mean for the rest of Europe? 

In the UK, several major cities have been trialling rental e-scooter schemes. It is predicted that the government will legalise e-scooters after they renewed the trial scheme until 2024. Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, stated e-scooters “play a useful role” as they offer “alternatives to car users”. Furthermore, he said that the trials could help “inform future government legislation” so that “they are safe for all riders and other road users”. 

By implementing new safety rules, e-scooters are likely to remain in the UK and elsewhere. They are popular amongst the public as they are affordable, accessible and offer an alternative to pollutant vehicles. As for Paris, only the vote will determine the outcome.