Tag Archive: E-SCOOTERS

  1. Swifty Scooters awarded grant funding for new electric scooter

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    Swifty Scooters is one of four British companies to be awarded funding totalling £1.1mn to support the research and development of zero emission vehicle technologies. Funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) and supported by Innovate UK, the ‘Production Readiness Competition’ is delivered by the Niche Vehicle Network (NVN) with support from Cenex.

    Despite the UK’s stance regarding permitting electric scooters on UK roads, Swifty have demonstrated the significance of their innovative design in their winning bid.

    “In the current context, it’s vitally important that we enable more people to make clean and low-cost journeys. We’re delighted to finally have the recognition of the importance of our electric scooter design – we are confident that our new vehicle will raise the bar in terms of safety within the industry.” Camilla Iftakhar, Co-founder, Swifty Scooters

    Swifty’s new electric scooters will be among other competition winners, Maeving electric motorcycles, Callum Designs EV and Ariel Motor All-Terrain Vehicle, creating an exciting and diverse display of British innovative companies working towards a Net Zero future.

    “These Production Readiness projects play an important role in developing the UK low volume EV supply chain, creating that not only benefit the projects but also the wider niche vehicle sector.” Scott Thompson, Programme Manager, Niche Vehicle Network.

    An Electric Scooter Optimised for Superior Rider Safety

    The question of scooter safety is probably the main concern within the public sphere. The negative reporting by the press continues to perpetuate people’s safety concerns making it difficult for regulators to make any decisive move. Meanwhile, the industry produces a vast array of differentiated models and designs, and the technology is advancing quickly.

    The new electric scooter that is soon to be unveiled by Swifty is designed for road and cycle-lane riding, and will incorporate the tried and tested Swifty geometry which boasts superior stability and control. It will feature Swifty’s signature 16 inch wheels, front and rear suspension, disk brakes, and a safe battery and charging system will be incorporated.

    “By collaborating with a UK battery specialist PMBL, we aim to utilise the latest battery chemistry LFP (also known as LiFePO4 or Lithium Ferro Phosphate). LFP batteries operate at a lower temperature and are more inherently safe than regular Lithium-ion batteries. They also do not contain cobalt, which we know is a problematic industry.” Jason Iftakhar, Co-founder, Swifty Scooters

    Swifty remain pragmatic in their design approach, advocating the need for regulation in a comprehensive safety standard that build on existing standards of the e-bike industry, plus the need for users to obtain insurance. However, it is unlikely that the UK regulations will permit e-scooters (apart from on private land) by the time the new vehicle enters the market in April 2024. The founders remain positive that UK regulations will be inclusive of these new technologies in the efforts to reach Net Zero.

    Swifty’s new vehicle demonstrates that safety and e-scooters can go hand in hand and are looking to export markets to unveil their design. 

    Best Electric Scooter for Adults to be Unveiled in the USA

    Swifty Scooters will be revealing their new design at the Micromobility Industries Show in San Fransisco in October. Swifty Scooters has pioneered the adult kick-scooter market with their high-quality and uniquely foldable designs since their inception in 2010.

    With a focus on accessible transport for short-distance travel, the new model promises to push the capabilities of the new mode with their high-quality design. Founder Jason Iftakhar has described the new scooter as Swifty’s best electric scooter to date.

    “Riding a safe and stable scooter optimises the rider experience. The thrill of riding electric, standing up is an unbeatable feeling. The handling and control of our design we believe is industry leading. We’re confident our customers will love the feeling as much as we do.” Jason Iftakhar, Co-founder, Swifty Scooters

    They are looking forward to releasing more details to their community in the coming weeks.

  2. Stakeholders divided on fairness and practicality of Parisian e-scooter ban

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    Source: EURACTIV, T. Hartmann

    Since the Parisian ban on self-service scooters came into force on 1 September, its city hall has called the move revolutionary in “an urban jungle”, while stakeholders have remain divided on the pros and cons.

    In April, 7% of Parisians voted in a referendum on the future of pay-per-use eScooters, with 89% voting for their removal from the streets. As of 1 September 2023, the vehicles have been officially banned, making Paris the only European country with such a measure currently in force.

    E-scooters are responsible for an “urban jungle”, with “very abusive usage of these e-mobility tools [having] created a strong sense of insecurity,” according to the Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of transport, David Bélliard, in a press conference on 31 August.

    He continued that a ban was the right way forward because even with tighter regulation, Parisians felt insecure. Furthermore, he explained that it was democratic because “130,000 voters for a public consultation is a consequent number,” although this amount only accounts for 5% of the population of Paris.

    Amid growing controversy and concerns around e-scooters, three of the main companies providing these services in Paris presented proposals to the city hall, but Mayor Anne Hidalgo ultimately decided to put future usage of these vehicles in Paris to a vote.

    The ban covers 15,000 self-service electric scooters. Operated by Dott, Lime and TIER, they have been redistributed during the summer to surrounding cities.

    Meanwhile, personal e-scooters are still allowed to travel in bike lanes.

    Opinion remains divided

    Mohamed Mezghani, secretary-general at the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), told EURACTIV that “there should be a choice of mobility options for everyone, and excluding one mobility solution from a city is perhaps counter to that approach.”

    Bélliard refutes this argument, pointing to the existence of other mobility solutions such as buses, the subway, bikes and walking. He also expressed a concern that “e-scooters are not a relevant mobility tool as they mainly replace walking,” that they create disturbance such as traffic hazards and congestion, and were used mainly by tourists and not by Parisians.

    The EU industry association Micro-mobility For Europe wrote in a press statement that “moving away from shared e-scooters isolates Paris from the rest of the world.” Deputy Mayor Bélliard confirmed that he is in touch with his European counterparts, who are all “facing similar issues that revolve around congestion of the public spaces [and] insecurity.”

    Safety concerns

    Peter Staelens, head of mobility at Eurocities, an organisation representing local governments, explained to EURACTIV that “e-scooter usage has resulted in a recurring pattern of serious facial injuries that require surgery.”

    While the ban will hopefully decrease the number of injuries, other stakeholders have concerns about increases in car usage.

    Sylvain Delavergne, French coordinator at the Clean Cities Coalition, an organisation campaigning for zero-emission zones within European cities, explained that the Parisian ban will see car trips increase by 8,000 according to a 2022 study.

    The ban is, therefore not a solution in his mind, as it will impoverish the air quality in the capital, which is already “responsible for an annual 2,500 premature deaths.”

    Paris is now the only European city with a total ban on self-service e-scooters. Previously, Madrid and Copenhagen had similar bans, but they were eventually repealed. Barcelona has temporary restrictions in place and a decision on permanent prohibition or regulation is expected in the autumn.

    Following the vote in April, an official joint statement from Dott, Lime and TIER Mobility noted: “We regret that Parisians will lose a shared and green transport option. The result of this vote will have a direct impact on the travel of 400,000 people per month, 71% of whom are 18-35 year old residents. It is a step back for sustainable transport in Paris ahead of the 2024 Olympics.”

    An official statement from Bolt highlighted that Paris is taking a step backward: “Considering the potential of shared scooters to make a positive change in the city and the constantly evolving technologies that we’re using to make scooter operations safe for everyone, we believe that resigning from shared scooters would be a step backwards in building better cities.”

    Meanwhile, operators look set to turn their attention to e-bikes to make up the shortfall in business as well as looking at other EU cities.

    “While Lime e-scooters will depart Paris by the end of August for other cities in Europe, Parisian riders are already pivoting to our expanding fleet of e-bikes,” a Lime spokesperson told CNBC

  3. Prague 1 Municipal District bans e-scooter parking

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    Source: TheMAYOR.eu, Prague Monitor

    The municipal district, which includes much of the medieval historic heart of the city, has unanimously agreed a motion to prohibit the parking of electric scooters in its public spaces.

    In a similar vein the the Paris restrictions, and other proposals across Europe, Prague has decided to place limits that forbid the parking of shared e-scooters within its central streets and parks. The district also plans to approach the municipality to extend this ban to cover the entire conservation area.

    The move appears to be motivated by concern for public safety, as well by numbers of tourists unfamiliar both with the vehicles and the local streets. Co-sponsor Pavel Marc (Praha 1 Sobě) was quoted as saying, “Having relatively hefty machines, often occupied by two people, constantly cluttering our sidewalks and endangering our elderly population is incompatible with life in this part of the city,” 

    Though the motion prohibits parking, there is some leniency in the fact that it does not forbid e-scooters from passing through the zone. Current affected operators in the city include Lime and Bolt.

    It was reported that Miroslav Stejskal, director of the Prague 1 municipal police, shared that officers had dealt with 4,352 scooter-related offences and issued fines amounting to approximately CZK 1.1 million (about 45,000 euros) over a six month period. This is in contrast to the number of offences related to cyclists in the same period, which numbered 560, or about eight times less.

  4. Over 50 organisations urgently call on UK Government to address e-scooter legislation

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    Source: MMB & Zag Daily

    More than 50 organisations have signed a letter to the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, calling on the government to establish a timeline for e-scooter legislation.

    Environmental charities, local authorities, disabled people’s organisations, micromobility operators, and retailers have signed a joint letter from Now Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) to encourage the government to expedite the progression of this legislation.

    Currently, rental e-scooters are exclusively accessible through government-approved trials available in approximately 23 towns and cities across England, while the use of privately-owned e-scooters on public roads remains prohibited by law.

    The UK stands as the only developed nation lacking either permanent legal frameworks for e-scooters or definitive commitments towards plans to legalise them.

    The letter sent to Mark Harper MP, Transport Secretary and Jesse Norman MP, Minister of State reads: “Currently e-scooter trials are due to end after May 2024. These trials are ingrained into local transportation systems enabling thousands of people to get to work, higher education and to run errands. Yet there is no certainty of these trials beyond spring next year now the ability of additional towns or cities to introduce these services.

    “The lack of certainty combined with the fact an estimated 750,000 privately owned and unregulated e-scooters are on UK roads underscored the importance of e-scooter legislation being included in this year’s king’s speech.

    “Another extension to shared e-scooters does not address private e-scooters. These private vehicles are unlikely to undergo regular maintenance by trained professionals or have government mandated safety features.

    “Private e-scooters can cause concern for road users particularly disabled people in addition to potentially being unsafe for riders, however, this is where legislation and regulation can make a positive difference.”

    Among the signatories include the Campaign for Better Transport, Clean Cities Campaign, London Cycling Campaign, Major Trauma Group, Northamptonshire Police, Pure Electric, Southampton Sight, Sustrans, Thomas Pocklington Trust, Transport Action Network, Urban Transport Group, and Women in Transport.

    Local authorities include Essex County Council, Milton Keynes City Council, North Northamptonshire Council, Somerset Council, West Northamptonshire Council, and West Yorkshire Combined Authority have also lent their support.

    Leading micromobility operators such as Voi, Beryl, Dott, Ginger, Lime, Superpedestrian, Tier, and Zwings have additionally signed the initiative.

    In a statement to Zag Daily, Richard Dilks, the Chief Executive of CoMoUK, emphasized, “While we appreciate the government’s prior inclusion of this commitment in the Queen’s Speech, it is disheartening that we are yet to witness the enactment of legislation establishing a distinct class for powered light vehicles. Consequently, the UK now finds itself significantly trailing neighboring nations with comparable circumstances.”

    A recent independent survey conducted by Voi, involving 2,000 respondents aged between 18 and 64, found that more than 80% of the general public support new regulatory measures for e-scooters, while over 70% expressed a desire for the implementation of these regulations prior to the next General Election, which is likely to be held next year.

  5. Brussels suburbs refuse entry to shared e-scooter services

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    Source: TheMayor.eu

    The suburbs surrounding the Belgian capital have recently made the decision to abolish access for e-scooters – in contrast to Paris’s policies, where they have been banned from the city centre’s streets.

    In April, Paris residents voted to ban the e-scooter sharing services within the city, sparking discussions about the potential emergence of this action in other major European cities. Interestingly, in neighbouring Belgium, it’s not the capital region but the tranquil suburbs adjacent to Brussels that are embracing this idea.

    These new changes mean that attempting to complete a journey on an e-scooter across the municipal limits to neighbouring suburbs just isn’t possible.

    E-scooter companies have since urged Flemish local authorities to allow shared micro-mobility services, however these efforts have been met with strong opposition. E-scooter operators like Bolt and Tier are keen to expand into the Flemish satellite municipalities surrounding Brussels due to their proximity to the city centre, unlike the municipalities situated to the south of Brussels, which are more distant from the centre.

    Given that shared e-scooter schemes would improve the mobility integration with downtown Brussels, where many residents work and spend leisure time, this begs the question of why the governments of the municipalities in question refuse to allow this.

    According to The Brussels Times, the smaller local governments are unimpressed by the numerous complaints about reckless speeding and chaotic parking that often accompany the use of shared micro-mobility services.

    Ingrid Holemans, the mayor of Zaventem, a town whose territory includes the international airport of the Belgian capital, simply stated, “We don’t want them.”

    The VIAS road safety institute reveals that accidents involving electric scooters in Belgium have quadrupled over the past two years. Such statistics raise concerns among local officials, who have concluded that e-scooters could disrupt the peaceful nature of suburban life.

    Even in Brussels proper, the future appears bleak for electric two-wheelers. Starting from 2024, only two operators will be allowed to operate within the Belgian capital, each with a cap of 4,000 scooters. Whether this restriction will influence the municipalities to open their doors to these services remains uncertain.

  6. Italy’s e-scooter suppression plans

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    Source: Bloomberg

    Once considered the post-covid future of urban transport, pedestrians and other road users are now viewing the transport means unfavorably. Deemed a menace to city streets and a source of obstruction on sidewalks in cities including Rome and Milan, changes are ahead.

    According to a draft of Italy’s transport code seen by Bloomberg, e-scooters will now need a registration plate and owners will need an insurance policy. In addition, of e-scooters sharing services, something that has seen rapid expansion, will also face authoritative restrictions.

    Transport Minister, Matteo Salvini, has promised to address traffic violations from e-scooter users, who will furthermore be required to wear helmets. Manufacturers of e-scooters will also be required to fit turning indicators. The Italian media did initially report the introduction of license plates for bicycles, but this was not seen by Bloomberg.

    It is not just Italy where e-scooter restraints are being aired. Many other European cities are airing complaints. This year, Paris residents voted to completely ban hiring services throughout the city.

    According to data from Osservatorio Sharing Mobility, a state-backed sector association, over 45,000 rental scooters were present on Italian streets in 2021, reflective of their use as an alternative to public transport and the absence of cycling lanes in the larger cities.

    Other proposed changes to the transport code include hardened measures for drunk driving, which includes a lifetime ban, and restrictions for those younger people who have only recently received their license.

  7. Lavoie series 1 e-scooter is now available for pre-order: founders edition, pricing, specs and colour options by Callum revealed 

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    The Series 1 e-scooter by LAVOIE – McLaren Applied’s new premium micromobility company – is now available to pre-order at the LAVOIE website from 6 PM BST Thursday 22nd June. 

    LAVOIE is to launch the Series 1, a high-performance, premium folding electric scooter. The Series 1’s unique patent-pending FlowFold technology unfolds a host of features. It unfolds safety with a longer, wider deck for better stability and smooth automotive-like handling. But the Series 1’s real party trick is unfolding the world the rider calls home. Unfolding a career released from uncomfortable, time-consuming commuting. Unfolding passions, interests, and side-hustles by seamlessly blurring work and play. Unfolding discovery and curiosity as riders explore the rich, layered worlds they call their homes. 

    The first 469 customers will have the opportunity to pre-order an exclusive Founders Edition of LAVOIE’s ground-breaking e-scooter. The limited-run Founders Edition features a unique numbered plaque that has been designed by the famous design and engineering house CALLUM; This limited edition of 469 units pays tribute to the first electric two-wheel vehicle patented in April 1869. Founders Edition owners will get exclusive access to early product releases, updates, and private events.

    The Series 1 comes in two versions defined by their battery size. The standard Series 1 has a capacity of 468Wh and retails at £1,890, while the 702Wh Series 1 Max retails at £2,190. This translates to a range of 40 km/25 miles for the Series 1 and 60 km or 38 miles for the Series 1 MAX per single charge, at an average speed of 20 kph/12 mph in urban environments. The unrestricted top speed of the Series 1 is over 40 kph/25mph, and will be shipped restricted to 25 kph/15mph in relevant regions.

    All models of the Series 1 can be pre-ordered now (Thursday 22nd June) with a fully-refundable deposit of £500 via the LAVOIE website, with confirmed production slots being allocated to customers upon placing an order. The option to pre-order with a full payment deposit and a 5% discount is also available.

    LAVOIE has made safety one of its development priorities. The Series 1 battery is housed in a waterproof hard shell, and designed and certified to meet the most stringent American and European safety standards. It is expected to be one of the safest devices in the industry while delivering world class performance, in line with the brand’s heritage.

    The LAVOIE 250W charger works fast, giving a full battery charge in less than three hours. Series 1 has three power modes, so the rider can choose how their journeys should feel, from powerful to relaxing. Mode 1 is a slower eco option, Mode 2 is for cruising efficiently and comfortably, Mode 3 is for ultimate power and full throttle. Each mode’s power and top speed can be tuned via the LAVOIE App.

    The Series 1’s most defining feature is its FlowfoldTM folding system. A single press of a button collapses the stem and moves the wheel above the deck, offering a disruptive form factor. FlowfoldTM enables a longer, wider deck while allowing the Series 1 to fold into one of the most compact e-scooters of its category. This translates to a much safer and more comfortable ride through a higher stem angle giving automotive-like steering, a freer foot position, and better shock and vibration absorption. FlowfoldTM also makes the kickstand obsolete. An intermediate position, called Park Mode, sets the e-scooter into a perfectly stable, padded, resting position.

    Rider and road safety are inherent to the Series 1’s design ethos and LAVOIE’s approach to redefining micromobility. Series 1’s refined lighting system has been engineered to significantly improve safety. A light halo, presence lights, rear brakes and rider illumination LEDs all highlight the user’s position on the road, while indicators make turning safer. 

    Aligned with LAVOIE’s commitment to improving emobility, and its performance automotive heritage, Ian Callum and his design and engineering house joined the journey to create the Founders Edition’s plaque and the exclusive colour scheme of the Series 1. Four colours are available: Silent White, Racing Green, Electric Blue and Sunset Orange. Each version is illustrated here. 

    The Series 1 and Founders Edition models can be pre-ordered on Thursday 22nd June by visiting https://www.lavoielectric.com/ . 

    *Estimated Real Range Based on a 75kg, 1.75m tall rider in mode 2 in an urban environment

    Eco: 50km(Standard)/70km(Max)  & average speed of 15kph

    Cruise: 40km(Standard)/60km(Max) & average speed of  25kph

    Sport 25km(standard)/35 km(Max) & average speed of 40kph

    Ian Callum, Design Director at CALLUM, said: “Inspired by LAVOIE’s ambition to effect change in micromobility through innovative design, our vibrant colours bring life and movement to the future of transportation. We are pleased to collaborate with a brand at the forefront of advancing personal mobility.” 

    LAVOIE CEO, Eliott Wertheimer, said: “We are proud to launch the Series 1. After years of development and significant innovation, we are confident our e-scooter will lead towards improving micromobility to automotive standards. The trust from our first customers, our Founders, is extremely important to us. The 469 units of the Founders Edition will be produced to thank them through a beautiful, uniquely numbered, vehicle. They will also benefit from early access to our upcoming launches, news and events.” 

    ABOUT LAVOIE

    LAVOIE, founded by McLaren Applied, born of British motorsport, is driven by a desire to redefine urban mobility with high end solutions that help us live better. Series 1, our first premium electric scooter reimagines form factor with unique folding technology. Flowfold™ not only folds to fit into your life, it unfolds a whole lot more. From unfolding safety, portability and comfort, to unfolding your world, your career, your passions. Operating at the intersection between high-end design and superlative performance, LAVOIE  is set to redefine micro-mobility.  www.lavoielectric.com 

    ABOUT CALLUM 

    CALLUM is a design and engineering business creating bespoke and limited-edition products. CALLUM  is focused on design, lifestyle and travel, taking on projects that intrigue, excite and tell a story. It is a  collaboration of talented individuals with experience across art, audio, automotive, fashion and  motorsport brands.  

    Nimble and agile, CALLUM produces exquisite design supported by quality execution, with its 30,000  sq. ft Warwick facility housing the latest technology to deliver design, prototyping, machining and trim services.  

    Amongst its founding members is British designer Ian Callum CBE, admired for his prolific automotive work, which includes the Aston Martin Vanquish, Vantage and DB9, Jaguar F-Type, F-PACE, XJ and, most recently, the World Car of the Year Award-winning I-PACE, amongst others.

  8. CoMoUK publishes Report on Shared E-scooter Trials in England 2023

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    CoMoUK, an organisation and charity promoting the social, economic and environmental benefits of shared transport, has published its report on three years of e-scooter trials in England.

    Download the CoMoUK report on the shared e-scooter trials in England here

    The charity shared, “We come to a number of recommendations, leading with the need for legislation. The trials have clearly proved popular in a sustained way and our work brings new insights into the trials, which have now been running for almost three years.”

    “Our report is here and results from data gathering from operators and dialogue with all stakeholders. We look forward to delving further into the dynamics of shared e-scooters in future work and have written to transport minister to further press the case for legislation to make e-scooters legalisation via creating a new low emission powered light vehicle class.”

    The report covers a wide range of topics and considerations, with trials totalling 2.3 million users and current e-scooter fleet numbers standing at over 24,000. Recommendations are given in the following seven areas: Communication, Infrastructure, Legislation, Stop treating e-scooters as cars, Procurement, Parking and Technology.

    CoMoUK holds a monthly forum for authorities working on or interested in shared e-scooter trials, with the most recent one having just taken place on Monday 15th May. Interested parties may email Antonia@como.org.uk to express their interest in joining.

  9. E-scooter industry recommendations published by micromobility operators

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    Source: Futuretransport-News, T. May

    Micromobility operators including LEVA-EU member Dott, alongside Voi, Lime, Superpedestrian and TIER, have collaborated on publishing industry recommendations to European cities on the best practices for safe and well-managed micromobility services

    To support the increasing uptake of micromobility services in numerous cities, a report outlining best practices has been prepared by five operators, designed to assist cities move from pilot programmes to permanent regulations.

    The report was signed by Henri Moissinac, CEO of LEVA-EU member Dott; Wayne Ting, CEO of Lime; Assaf Biderman, CEO of Superpedestrian; Lawrence Leuschner, CEO of TIER Mobility; and Fredrik Hjelm, CEO of Voi.

    It highlights several common features of well-managed micromobility programmes, with regard to both administration and operations.

    Number of Operators

    A balance should be sought between avoiding oversaturation, while maintaining customer choice and healthy competition. The suggested guideline is that markets deploying over 1,000 e-scooters have a minimum of two and maximum of three operators.

    Fleet Size

    Manageability of fleet size and maintaining tidiness is key; an initial fleet should comprise 80-120 vehicles per square kilometre.

    Programme Length

    A programme should run for sufficient time to allow users to rely on vehicle availability, and for the set-up and evaluation of the services. The report recommends a minimum of two years for pilot schemes, and three-four years for permanent programmes.

    Contracts of this length could encourage operators to make longer-term investments in the cities.

    Operator Fees

    The fees to cover the costs of programme administration and public space occupancy should be consistent with those paid by similar modes, such as bike shares.

    If required, this should be a fixed annual fee per e-vehicle which is set prior to vendor selection and applies consistently across all operators.

    The operators claim that this would avoid negative outcomes such as overpromising on financial commitments or winning bids and then withdrawing due to unsustainable fees.

    They also ask that the fees recognise that e-scooter schemes are typically not subsidised.

    Data Sharing

    The five operators emphasise the value of uniform and automated data sharing through GBFS (General Bikeshare Feed Specification) and MDS (Mobility Data Specification) protocols.

    This allows for the consistent submission of data while protecting rider privacy.

    The use of these protocols enables operators to spend more time working with cities to provide useful data rather than having to build bespoke data provision.

    Selection Process

    The operators state that tenders are generally the best approach for identifying suitable micromobility operators in each city.

    License structures and free markets are less desirable, as they encourage oversaturation and poorly managed fleets.

    The report emphasises that operators should also never be selected based on financial contribution, as this can lead to an inability to deliver quality services when the business is not economically sustainable.

    Instead, tenders should prioritise reliability, safety, sustainability and fleet management.

    In addition, the operators ask that cities avoid issuing tenders that specify technology or operational practices, especially those that are just emerging, as this can limit innovation.

    In comparison, outcome-based and technology-neutral requirements encourage operators to use their experience and creativity to mitigate behaviours such as sidewalk riding, tandem riding and irresponsible parking. This approach encourages innovation based on local conditions and will allow new practices to develop.

    Operating Area

    The designated operating area for micromobility vehicles should optimise access to key destinations throughout the city.

    Generally, operating within the entire city boundary is preferable to connect residents with all destinations. Where this is not feasible, the report suggests a focus on important centres such as cultural hubs, businesses and recreational facilities.

    Parking

    The report highlights the importance of providing sufficient parking close to where riders start and end their trips.

    In dense urban areas, this could include mandatory parking in dedicated, physical parking spots. A minimum of 40 parking bays should be provided per square kilometre and each scooter should have a minimum of three parking spots.

    Alternatively, cities can use stationless parking in less dense areas, or where infrastructure is not available. This provision should be accompanied by clear rules about safe parking and the inclusion of no parking zones.

    The report suggests that a hybrid system combining the two approaches is a practical way for cities to experiment with these options.

    Speed

    The report recommends a maximum speed limit of between 20–25 kilometres per hour to ensure rider safety, and consistency with other vehicles such as e-bikes, allowing for safe riding that aligns with the pace of urban traffic.

    The report argues that a cap below 20 kilometres per hour increases risks by restricting riders to a speed that is significantly lower than other road users, and possibly encourage riders to ride on sidewalks if restricted to a low speed.

    Helmets

    The report suggests that helmets should be encouraged but not be required, as this would discourage the uptake of micromobility, increase social inequalities and create disproportionate enforcement costs.

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