Tag Archive: electric scooter

  1. Segway to launch new E150S eScooter in 2025

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    Source: Notebook Check

    In the second half of 2025, LEVA-EU member Segway will launch its latest electric scooter in Europe with enhanced, cutting-edge features, building on the success of previous models.

    World-renowned electric mobility provider Segway has announced that its new E150S eScooter, an L1e-B category model, will be an improvement on two previous models, the E110S and E125S, with upgraded features.

    Like its predecessors, the E150S is designed for urban commuting and has been equipped with a more powerful motor, expandable battery, a colour TFT display with smart features and a traction control system.

    The E150S has a top speed of 45 km/h thanks to a 2.7 kW rated motor (3.6 kW peak power). Its 74A 27Ah lithium-ion battery is expected to provide a range of up to 60km (WMTC estimate) and customers will have the option to purchase up to two additional batteries to extend this range to 180km (WMTC estimate). Segway also highlights its fast charging capabilities, stating that each battery pack can be recharged in less than 2.5 hours.

    It will include other features including a dual-channel ABS, traction control, hill holder control and reverse mode. Plus, its smart TFT screen offers an intelligent riding system integrated with smart navigation (this will be a paid feature available only in selected regions and is still in development, so will be rolled out via an over-the-air (OTA) update after launch).

    Segway’s latest e-scooter will also come with the following accessories: a Class-D LED headlight, an automatic handlebar lock and an anti-skid seat.

    The planned launch date and pricing options of the E150S eScooter will be announced later this year.

  2. Survey reveals majority of Berliners support e-scooter ban

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    Source: Berlino Magazine

    The University for Sustainable Development Eberswalde (HNEE) has revealed that 58% of its survey respondents favour a complete e-scooter ban, with over 80% expressing the need for tighter rules, particularly for parking and road safety.

    The findings highlight growing public dissatisfaction with the impact of e-scooters on urban mobility, particularly in relation to improper parking and safety hazards. While older citizens are the most critical of e-scooters, younger individuals, particularly those aged 18 to 20, are less inclined to support a ban, with only 19% in favor of prohibiting their use.

    Safety and parking concerns

    The survey results underscore several concerns related to e-scooters, primarily disorganized parking and traffic safety risks. E-scooters are frequently left on sidewalks and cycle paths, obstructing pedestrian movement. Safety concerns have also been amplified by the increasing number of accidents. In 2022 alone, Berlin police recorded 1,144 e-scooter-related accidents—a 41% rise from the previous year. Pedestrians, particularly the elderly, have reported feeling at risk due to reckless riding behavior.

    Despite these concerns, 40% of respondents admitted to having used an e-scooter at least once, primarily for short trips as an alternative to walking or public transportation.

    Proposed measures and government response

    In response to public concerns, the Berlin Senate for Transport has already taken steps to reduce the number of e-scooters operating within the S-Bahn ring, cutting the fleet from 25,000 to 19,000. Plans are also underway to establish designated parking areas to address the issue of disorderly scooter parking.

    Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner, however, opposes a complete ban, arguing that e-scooters remain a crucial component of modern urban mobility. Instead, he advocates for stronger regulations, including possible speed limits and increased fines for misuse.

    The Citizens’ Advisory Council has also proposed an awareness campaign to educate users on responsible scooter use. Additionally, a public forum is being planned to discuss the survey findings and explore further solutions for improving urban traffic flow.

    As Berlin continues to grapple with the challenges posed by e-scooters, authorities are expected to balance public safety concerns with the need for sustainable transportation options. The coming months will likely see further policy adjustments aimed at regulating e-scooter usage while maintaining their role in the city’s evolving mobility landscape.

  3. Scotland’s first e-scooter trials set to launch

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    Source: The Scotsman

    Cross-border talks for Scotland to join the next round of e-scooter trials.

    Scotland is preparing for its first-ever electric scooter rental trial within the next nine months, according to Voi, England’s largest e-scooter operator. Discussions are underway between the Scottish Government and the UK government to join an expanded initiative. Voi, which manages two-thirds of the 20+ trials currently operating in England, highlighted that this new phase would allow Scottish councils to finally explore e-scooter use—four years after the initial trials were introduced by the former Conservative government.

    Current legal status of e-scooters in Scotland

    At present, only e-scooters involved in English rental trials are allowed on public roads. In Scotland, e-scooters remain illegal on roads and pavements but are permitted on private property with the owner’s consent. Despite this, they are legally available for purchase and have become increasingly common in many areas north of the Border.

    UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh recently suggested that private e-scooter legalisation could happen in the future, though not before next year. In a similar vein, Scotland’s Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop remarked in May that such changes are inevitable.

    Legislative challenges and council interest

    For Scottish councils to participate in upcoming trials, legislative amendments are required. Glasgow and Midlothian councils have expressed interest in hosting rental schemes, but progress has been delayed due to the absence of enabling legislation. Glasgow City Council noted that it had agreed to a trial back in 2020 but is still awaiting legislative approval from Transport Scotland. Similarly, Midlothian Council reiterated its readiness for a trial, pending funding and regulatory changes.

    Transport Scotland, the government’s transport agency, confirmed it is in talks with the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to evaluate potential participation. The City of Edinburgh Council also expressed interest in learning from trials elsewhere but emphasized that meaningful progress is dependent on legislative clarity.

    Voi’s vision for e-scooter expansion in Scotland

    James Bolton, Voi UK’s general manager, stated that Scotland is a key focus for the company in the coming year. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Scottish cities, noting significant interest from local authorities. Bolton highlighted that e-scooter trials in England over the past four years have demonstrated substantial benefits, such as reducing car trips and shifting travel patterns—a goal aligned with Transport Scotland’s target of cutting car travel by 20% by 2030.

    Bolton also addressed safety concerns, emphasizing that serious accident rates have fallen by over 70% since the trials began. According to him, e-scooters are now as safe as bicycles, bolstered by data from Voi’s operations in 17 English cities, including London, Liverpool, and Oxford, where 1.8 million riders have completed 40 million trips.

    A missed opportunity and renewed optimism

    Although Scotland missed the opportunity to participate in the initial e-scooter trials, there is renewed optimism that a rental scheme could become operational on Scottish streets within the next nine months. This development could mark a significant step forward in sustainable transportation for the region, helping reduce car dependency and providing a new, eco-friendly travel option for Scottish commuters.

  4. E-scooter fleet doubles and permits extended in Oslo

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    Source: ZAG Daily

    Oslo plans to increase its shared e-scooter fleet from 8,000 to 16,000 vehicles starting April 1, 2025, with an option to raise the total to 18,000 if needed.

    Oslo City Council has also approved extending operator permits from one to two years, aiming to improve micromobility access in the city’s outskirts, where car ownership is higher, and public transport less accessible.

    These changes are intended to position shared e-scooters as a supplement to public transport, enhancing transit connectivity and reducing car use. The city’s public transport authority, Ruter, played a consultative role in the decision. Øyvind Kragh Kjos, Ruter’s Shared Mobility Product Specialist, highlighted the focus on expanding access in low-density areas and improving links to bus stops.

    The updated regulations adjust fleet distribution across the city, based on its ring road system:

    • Within Ring 2: 4,400 e-scooters (no change).
    • Between Ring 2 and Ring 3: 3,200 e-scooters (an increase of 800).
    • Outside Ring 3: 8,400 e-scooters.

    Fabian Paasche Engesæth, Associate at Oslo-based mobility consulting firm Movability, commented that the move contrasts with more restrictive approaches in cities like Paris and Madrid, emphasising Oslo’s focus on leveraging e-scooters to enhance transit availability. “The cap increase improves the commercial viability for operators while benefiting citizens in underserved areas,” he said.

    Impact on Operators

    Voi, Ryde, and Bolt, the three operators awarded contracts in Oslo, welcomed the new regulations. Christina Moe Gjerde, Voi’s Vice President for Northern Europe, described the changes as a significant opportunity to meet growing demand for sustainable transport. She noted that the longer contract period provides stability for long-term investments, while increased fleet capacity allows better service coverage and stronger integration with public transport.

    Ryde CEO Tobias Balchen praised Oslo’s approach to addressing specific urban transport challenges rather than applying strict caps citywide. He emphasised that the regulations reflect a shift toward recognising micromobility as an integral part of urban transport systems.

    Looking Ahead

    Oslo previously reduced its e-scooter fleet from nearly 20,000 to comply with tighter regulations, prompting some operators to exit the market. The new framework, however, is seen as a “game-changer” by Movability Advisor Morten Askeland, who noted that it enhances Oslo’s attractiveness as a key market for operators. The upcoming tender process is expected to be highly competitive as operators prepare to capitalize on the city’s expanded commercial potential.

  5. Italy takes action against irresponsible e-scooter use after an increase in accidents

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    Source: Reuters

    Italy’s parliament has approved a bill mandating helmet use and insurance for e-scooter riders, while introducing stricter penalties for improper parking as part of a comprehensive update to the highway code. The Senate finalised the law with an 83-47 vote.

    E-scooter usage has grown significantly in Italy, mirroring trends in other European countries. However, this increase has been accompanied by a rise in accidents and complaints from drivers and pedestrians about violations of safety and parking rules. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, in a social media post, stated, “No more wild scooters,” adding that e-scooters will now require license plates and will be prohibited from cycle lanes, pedestrian areas, and non-urban roads.

    According to national statistics institute ISTAT, road accidents involving e-scooters that resulted in injuries rose to 3,365 in 2023, with 21 fatalities, compared to 2,929 injuries and 16 fatalities in 2022. Other European cities have also imposed restrictions on e-scooter use. In 2023, Paris banned rented electric scooters following an April referendum, while Madrid implemented a similar ban in September 2023.

    Proponents of e-scooters argue they offer a low-cost, zero-emission alternative to public transportation in cities like Rome and Milan, where they are popular with both residents and tourists. Rental companies criticised the new restrictions as excessive. They emphasised that e-scooters are equipped with speed controls and geo-localisation features, which help prevent misuse.

    “They have a technology that inhibits certain bad behaviors that are the source of the most serious accidents,” said Andrea Giaretta, Vice President for Southern and Western Europe, Middle East at Dott. Giorgio Cappiello, Head of Institutional Relations in Italy for Bird, another rental company, described the new rules as “completely ideological” and noted that his company reported no fatalities involving their vehicles in 2022 and 2023.

    The updated highway code also introduces harsher penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and includes a prison sentence of up to seven years for abandoning animals on the road if it results in accidents. Salvini, who also serves as deputy prime minister and leads the hard-right League party, stated that the revisions were developed after extensive consultations, with the shared aim of reducing road fatalities in Italy.

  6. ETSC publishes report on improving road safety of e-scooters

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    Source: European Transport Safety Council

    The increasing popularity of e-scooters underpins a need for safety measures across Europe

    E-scooters have rapidly emerged as a popular mode of transport since their arrival in Europe. Legalisation for their use followed shortly after, with countries like Belgium, France, and Germany permitting the use of e-scooters in 2019. Today, privately owned e-scooters are allowed in most European countries, with the UK and the Netherlands standing out as notable exceptions.

    However, the surge in e-scooter usage has coincided with an increase in road collisions involving these vehicles. This has raised concerns about potential risks to both riders and other vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians.

    A report published by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), Improving the Road Safety of E-scooters, examines the safety implications of this trend in three key parts. The first two sections focus on crash data related to deaths and serious injuries involving motorised micro-mobility devices, a category that includes e-scooters as well as less common vehicles like self-balancing unicycles and Segways.

    The third section delves into measures to mitigate these risks. It explores technical standards for vehicles, road rules, infrastructure, and urban speed limits. The report highlights best practices from across Europe, offering evidence-based recommendations for national governments to improve e-scooter safety.

    The report also calls for urgent action from the European Union to establish unified technical standards for e-scooters. Suggested areas of focus include minimum age requirements, helmet use, regulations on drink-driving, carrying passengers, and riding on pavements. By promoting consistent safety measures, the EU could play a pivotal role in ensuring safer integration of e-scooters into urban transport systems across Europe.

    As e-scooters become an increasingly significant part of urban mobility, such coordinated efforts are essential to protect all road users.

    Download the full report here.

  7. Research reveals that riding an e-scooter is a light-intensity physical activity

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    Source: Journal of Transport & Health

    E-scooters are outpacing cars but fall short of walking for exercise intensity.

    A recent study sheds light on the physical activity benefits of e-scooters, an increasingly popular form of micromobility. Researchers evaluated the metabolic energy expenditure and muscle activation of riding e-scooters compared to walking and driving. The findings suggest that while e-scooters provide light physical activity, they fall short of the moderate physical activity associated with walking.

    Methodology

    The study involved 20 participants aged 21–41 in a controlled crossover experiment. Researchers measured metabolic physical activity in METs (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) during a fixed course and assessed muscle activation during typical maneuvers. MET values, often used to quantify energy expenditure over time, were compared across e-scooter riding, walking, and driving.

    Key findings

    • Energy expenditure: Riding an e-scooter generated an energy expenditure of 2.14 METs, which is classified as light physical activity. This level was significantly higher than driving a car (1.42 METs) but lower than walking (3.12 METs).
    • Muscle activation: E-scooter use resulted in greater muscle activation in the arms and trunk than both driving and walking, with higher engagement across all muscle groups compared to driving.
    • Activity intensity: While driving is sedentary, e-scooters offer a light-intensity alternative, and walking remains a moderate-intensity activity.

    Implications

    The study highlights that e-scooters can contribute to physical activity when replacing sedentary modes of travel like driving. However, replacing walking with e-scooter use could reduce overall transportation-related physical activity. The findings suggest a nuanced approach to integrating e-scooters into urban mobility strategies, balancing convenience and health benefits.

    As cities continue to promote micromobility, the physical activity impacts of e-scooters provide an important consideration for sustainable and health-conscious transportation planning.

  8. Australia set to legalise e-scooters on streets as a part of a plan to reduce city congestion

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    New South Wales is preparing to legalise e-scooter use for commuters in an effort to reduce road congestion.

    Source: Daily Mail

    The “E-micromobility Action plan“, released ahead of a parliamentary inquiry into electric bikes and scooters, aims to establish legal and regulatory guidelines for these devices. Although e-scooters can be purchased legally in New South Wales, using them on public roads is currently prohibited.

    Despite the ban, estimates suggest there are around 459,000 privately owned e-scooters in the state. Shared e-scooter services are also banned, although trials have been approved in select areas, including Albury, Kogarah, Forster-Tuncurry, and Wollongong.

    Transport Minister Jo Haylen supports the plan, which would permit both private and shared e-scooters for commuting to and from rail and Metro stations. Under the proposal, riders must be at least 16 years old, wear helmets, and use bike paths or shared zones. The plan also recommends investments in infrastructure, such as shared paths and parking bays for e-scooters.

    Transport for New South Wales highlighted that the plan “recognises the potential for e-micromobility to be a safe, sustainable and accessible transport option for the people of New South Wales” The department added that e-scooters could provide an efficient “last-mile” solution, connecting people to public transportation.

    Haylen explained that while the focus is on regulating private e-scooters, the government is open to working with councils interested in shared e-scooter initiatives.Haylen expressed that legalising and regulating e-scooters would benefit everyone by alleviating congestion on the state’s roads. She noted, “Allowing people to ride an e-scooter to the shops or nearby train stations will take pressure off our roads and lessen competition for parking,” as reported by the Daily Telegraph. However, she acknowledged that some work remains to strike the right balance.

    According to Ms. Haylen, new regulations are needed for e-scooters and e-bikes due to certain safety concerns highlighted in the report, as the devices are not without controversy. These concerns include speeding, riding on footpaths, operating under the influence, and potential risks to vulnerable pedestrians.

    Between 2020 and 2023, police recorded 124 e-scooter accidents, resulting in three fatalities and 116 injuries, 40 of which were classified as serious.

    Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby criticised the increase in private e-scooter and e-bike usage as “pure anarchy.” In his submission to the parliamentary inquiry, Scruby warned that these devices could turn footpaths into “hostile” and potentially dangerous areas for pedestrians, stating, “To show such utter contempt for pedestrians and turn footpaths into hostile and potentially lethal environments defies belief.”

    The push for e-scooter legalisation in New South Wales follows Melbourne’s recent decision to ban public e-scooter rentals. In August, Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Nick Reece, introduced an amended motion in a Future Melbourne committee meeting, resulting in the termination of contracts with e-scooter providers Lime and Neuron. However, the ban does not affect private e-scooters, which remain allowed in the central business district and nearby areas such as Carlton and Southbank.

  9. Green light for scooter scheme: important for affordable mobility in urban areas

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    The Royal RAI Association welcomes the announced pilot for a subsidy program for electric mopeds and scooters. This new scheme offers low-income people a helping hand in the transition to zero emissions and ensures that they retain access to mobility. “This scheme is therefore essential for moped and light moped riders with a small wallet, especially where environmental zones are emerging,” says Martijn van Eikenhorst – Scooters section manager at the association and also chairman of Scooter Recycling Netherlands.

    Source: RAI

    Pilot subsidy scheme for electrification

    An amount of 3.5 million euros has been made available for the electrification of mopeds and mopeds for 2024 and the same amount for 2025. Municipalities can apply for money from this scheme to grant subsidies to minimum wage earners, with each municipality applying its own policy. Residents can then receive a subsidy for the purchase of an electric moped or moped. With this budget, it is estimated that more than 3,500 petrol scooters can be replaced with emission-free ones. The pilot scheme will open this summer, and the government will also start a promotional campaign for electric mopeds and scooters.

    Combating mobility poverty and offering freedom of choice

    This new subsidy scheme encourages municipalities to accelerate the electrification of scooters and mopeds. Municipalities often combine a scrappage scheme with subsidy offers for older scooters and mopeds, for example from before 2018, with the establishment of environmental zones. RAI Association attaches great importance to affordability and freedom of choice, especially for road users with limited financial capacity. They have often been riding their beloved moped or moped for years. Through this scheme they should be given the opportunity to purchase a new, comparable, but now electric vehicle. “Keep in mind that people want to choose a vehicle that suits them,” Van Eikenhorst emphasizes. “The moped and moped are then ideal for medium-long distances, commuting or a safe feeling in traffic late in the evening.”

    It’s the consumer and the government’s turn

    The manufacturers and importers of scooters and mopeds have taken the lead in electrification. The climate agreement expresses the ambition to only sell electric mopeds by 2025. Since then, and even before the government came up with concrete policy, electric mopeds and mopeds have taken off. By offering electric mobility early, the sector has already made significant progress. Of the mopeds registered in 2024, 50% are electric and the counter for electric mopeds reaches 32%. “The industry has taken its steps. It is now up to the consumer to choose electric. The government can now help with this with its policy.”

    Role of industry in the sustainable future

    RAI Association has actively contributed to setting up this pilot and welcomes its introduction by the cabinet. The association looks forward to further collaboration to accelerate the transition to emission-free mobility to realize a sustainable future, in which mobility not only remains accessible and affordable, but also contributes to a cleaner and healthier living environment. “RAI Association and Scooter Recycling Netherlands are discussion partners in various municipalities and cities regarding demolition schemes, environmental and zero-emission zones.” In response to the new subsidy scheme, Martijn van Eikenhorst, on behalf of the RAI Association, invites municipalities to get in touch about their sustainable ambitions.

    Read the letter to Parliament about making mopeds and light mopeds more sustainable here.

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