Source: Forbes, C. O’Brien

After 4 years of electric scooter-sharing services in France’s capital city, the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has confirmed a vote to determine if the micromobility option will be banned in the city.

The referendum in April has been announced following a lengthy review by city officials, with the mayor herself in favour of the ban. What are the key issues facing the use of e-scooters in Paris?

• National laws are vague in terms of regulation.
• Residents feel that riders are reckless.
• Excessive riding on sidewalks and in pedestrianised areas.
• Poor parking and the free-floating nature of the service have created an eyesore.
• Antisocial use of the devices, particularly by tourists.

It should be noted that steps have been taken to address some of these concerns, such as limiting speeds and releasing a clear code of conduct, but the e-scooters remain extremely divisive.

With 12 active bike and e-scooter sharing services in the city, Paris is one of the largest markets for micromobility services. The results of this referendum will therefore be watched closely by industry and consumers alike; the conclusion may well inform future decisions in comparable locations.