Tag Archive: ban

  1. Shared e-scooters to be banned in Prague

    Comments Off on Shared e-scooters to be banned in Prague

    Source: The Guardian, TVP World

    In accordance with new transport regulations, electric scooter rentals in the Czech capital will be banned from January 2026. It has been reported that the regulation has been implemented to bring order to Prague’s historic central area, where residents have long complained about parked scooters and reckless riding there.

    The recently announced ban aligns Prague with other European cities that have restricted or banned shared scooters, such as Paris and Madrid, while Finland has limited use to over-15s.

    Regulations targeting public safety and urban mobility

    The city’s deputy mayor for transport, Zdeněk Hřib, described the move as a measure to tackle a source of frustration for many Prague residents. “We are introducing clear rules that will clear public space from uncontrolled scooter traffic, which was often used in the city centre more as a tourist attraction than a means of transport and caused chaos on and in pedestrian zones.”

    Council members approved regulatory changes affecting shared transport, allowing only traditional and electric bicycles to operate under specific parking rules, while excluding shared e-scooters, effectively banning their use in the historic centre. For this decision, Prague officials have also cited the higher accident rates of scooters compared to bikes as they aim to promote safer, more sustainable urban mobility.

    In regards to shared bikes, the city’s transport authority will now only contract with shared bicycle and e-bike operators, who must utilise designated parking spaces and pay a monthly fee for access.

    Stakeholder perspectives

    The ban will be welcome news for Prague residents who have expressed frustration over scooters speeding on pavements and in parks, or being left blocking pedestrian and street areas.

    Since the announcement was made, numerous shared scooter operators have expressed their disappointment in the decision, with one commenting that shared e-scooters can work well in cities where operators maintain “constructive dialogue” with authorities.

    Focus on sustainable urban transport

    The new rules are part of a broader effort to manage the city’s cobblestoned streets, popular tourist areas, and historic center, which attracts over 8 million visitors annually. Officials hope the changes will improve public safety and pedestrian access while encouraging the use of shared bicycles and e-bikes.

  2. Prague plans to ban e-scooters in city centre

    Comments Off on Prague plans to ban e-scooters in city centre

    A proposal has been submitted to the Prague 1 City Council to introduce zones prohibiting the use of electric scooters in the city centre due to serious concerns about safety, public order, and excessive strain on public space.

    Source: Prague Daily News & Expats.cz

    The Prague 1 City Council has adopted a proposal recommending the introduction of a legislative process led by the city, through which access and movement of e-scooters in designated areas would be restricted. The ban would establish special zones where riding and parking e-scooters, whether privately owned or rented, would be prohibited. The zones would be marked with traffic signs, with exceptions only granted through individual authorisations and special cases. The proposal also calls for consistent enforcement by both municipal and state police.

    Why is Prague considering banning electric scooters?

    Prague 1 has long criticised the unregulated operation of electric scooters in its area. As early as 2023, the Prague 1 municipal council expressed clear opposition to rental e-scooters and urged the city to take appropriate action. The draft ordinance enabling the ban was approved by Prague City Council on April 12, with Traffic Commissioner Vojtěch Ryvola to begin formal negotiations with the city on adopting the ordinance.

    Ryvola stated: “Every day in Prague 1 we deal with inconsiderate parking of e-scooters, danger to pedestrians, and illegal riding on pavements. The situation is intolerable—it’s time to send a clear signal. We are ready to defend public space and the safety of our residents.”

    Previously, Prague 1 City Council led a successful campaign to ban the use of Segways in the city centre in 2016.

    How will the ban on electric scooters work?

    Upcoming contracts with the Technical Administration of Roads (TSK) will no longer include scooters. Without legal parking access, operators will be unable to continue services.

    The City of Prague is expected to approve the new parking zones by the end of May. Upcoming contracts with the TSK will no longer include scooters but the TSK will still sign agreements with bike and e-bike providers. Without legal parking access, operators will be unable to continue scooter services. Shared scooter companies will then be required to remove their vehicles from city streets.

    Enforcement will begin immediately following the May deadline. The TSK will monitor public spaces and remove any unauthorized scooters, issuing fines and requiring payment before any vehicle is returned.

    According to Deputy Mayor for Transport Zdeněk Hřib, the new system is intended to promote responsible micromobility while reducing safety risks and visual clutter in public spaces.

  3. Thüringen calls for ban on e-scooters with non-replaceable batteries

    Leave a Comment

    The German region of Thüringen demands regulations aimed at imposing replaceable batteries on electric scooters. According to a recent motion in the Bundesrat by the Thüringer Prime Minister, such a ban would result in a reduction of (chemical) waste, in saving energy and therefore in making mobility more sustainable.

    While the main focus of the Thüringer motion is on electric scooters with non-replaceable batteries, is also includes electric mopeds, e-bikes and speed pedelecs, equipped with non-replaceable batteries. Vehicles with these types of batteries would cause an increasing amount waste and are therefore not in line with the German objective to change mobility (Verkehrswende). Thüringen also emphasizes that their proposal would be energy-saving.

    Since June 2019, e-scooters are allowed on public roads in Germany. According to the Federal Environment Agency, this has not yet produced a tangeable effect on mobility. While e-scooters constitute an additional mode of transport, the amount of waste they cause is an issue. Therefore, the motion calls on the federal government to act on this matter. They request the government to investigate whether such a ban is possible, either at German or European level. The government is expected to respond by the end of October.

    Source: Sazbike