Parisians will vote on Sunday to ban the rental of electric scooters in the city. If the ban passes, it would be the first of its kind in one of the world's major cities.
The French capital was an early adopter of the vehicles, which are rented via several apps. They have been popular mainly among younger people who use them for shorter distances.
”"The vote has great symbolic significance. It is a city that has been a pioneer," says Erwann Le Page at the German-based operator Tier.
Electric scooters were introduced to Paris in a chaotic manner in 2018, and since then, authorities have gradually tightened restrictions. Special parking zones have been introduced, maximum speeds have been reduced, and the number of operators has been cut.
But the vehicles continue to be controversial. Pedestrians complain of reckless driving, and fatalities have occurred with the vehicles, which are allowed to be rented by people as young as twelve.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced in January that a referendum on electric scooters would be held. Privately owned electric scooters would not be affected by a ban.
Several French cities are expected to follow suit if Parisians vote yes on the issue.
Source: TT-DI.SE
