Tag Archive: eScooter

  1. 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.

  2. Madrid takes steps to ban app-rented scooters over safety concerns

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    Source: The Guardian

    E-scooter providers, including Lime, Dott and Tier, Mobility licenses to be cancelled from October due to issues with circulation and parking.

    Madrid will ban app-based e-scooter rentals after the city’s three licensed operators failed to enforce limits on their users’ riding areas and parking, according to the city’s mayor.

    José Luis Martínez-Almeida announced on Thursday that the licenses for Lime, Dott, and Tier Mobility would be revoked starting in October, and no new licenses would be granted to other operators.

    The market was found to be incapable of meeting the requirements set by the mayor’s office to ensure the highest level of safety for citizens,” he said in a statement. The shared e-scooter system has faced criticism in cities worldwide for reckless driving and improper parking by some users.

    Following a public consultation, Paris banned e-scooter rentals last year.

    Since May 2023, Madrid’s city council had regulated the e-scooter rental market, allowing only Dott, Tier Mobility, and Lime to operate, with each authorized to rent out 2,000 scooters.

    These companies were required to provide the mayor’s office with access to their data and implement technology to ensure scooters were parked in designated areas and not used in pedestrian zones or near historic parks.

    However, the operators failed to comply, the statement said, adding they have 20 days to appeal the decision.

  3. UK e-scooter sector grows with shared e-scooter schemes

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    Source: CoMoUK

    The trials of shared e-scooter schemes commenced about four years ago during the pandemic and quickly became a popular transportation option in towns and cities.

    According to the latest data collected from operators as of the end of March 2024, the use of these schemes continues to grow, although they remain limited to certain parts of England and require users to hold a driving licence.

    Since the trials began, there have been 47.7 million trips, representing an increase of 5.5 million trips in the past four months alone. The number of users has risen to 3.3 million, with an additional half a million users joining during the winter period.

    Before the UK General Election, many authorities and operators were ready to expand their scheme areas and fleets. It is hoped that the Department for Transport (DfT) will reconsider these proposals and allow trials in new areas before the necessary primary legislation is enacted.

    These latest figures have been published on CoMoUK’s e-scooter webpage.

  4. Scotland explores the possibility of e-scooter trials

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    Source: Zag Daily

    Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, has said that e-scooters will “inevitably” be legalised in the country. Currently, all e-scooters are prohibited from use on Scottish roads and pavements.

    In an interview with The Scotsman, Ms. Hyslop suggested the potential for Scotland to join e-scooter trials, following the UK Department for Transport’s extension of such trials for the fourth time south of the Scottish border.

    “When the UK Government announced that trials were to take place, a deadline was set for local authorities to register their interest in participating,” a Transport Scotland spokesperson expressed. “This deadline was set without consultation or advance notice being given to the Scottish Government, and therefore did not provide enough time for the relevant Scottish legislative changes to be made in the context of resources being deployed to respond to the pandemic.

    As a result, it was not possible for any trials to take place in Scotland, however we will continue to engage with the Department for Transport on developments in this area.

    Transport Scotland outlined the required legislative changes, including amendments to devolved Primary Legislation, Secondary Legislation, and Traffic Regulation Orders.

    Welcoming e-scooters

    National shared transport charity CoMoUK is enthusiastic about extending e-scooter trials into Scotland, highlighting their potential contribution to climate change targets.

    An e-scooter trial would give Scots a brand new and legal way of trying out this great new form of transport, which could make a significant contribution to helping Scotland and the UK overall meet their climate change targets,” CoMoUK Chief Executive Richard Dilks states. “This is especially relevant given that Scotland has recently given up trying to meet its shorter-term climate targets.

    CoMoUK advocates for regulated rental e-scooter schemes due to their regulations, including top speeds, hours of operation, where they can be ridden, technical specifications, and rigorous safety standards. According to the charity, 1 serious safety incident only occurs in every 500,000 trips.

    This has been contrasted with unregulated and illegal personal e-scooter usage, stating that it’s “sadly being allowed to shape public perceptions about this mode of transport.”

    Ms. Hyslop emphasized the importance of e-scooter safety considerations before permitting rental trials, echoing the sentiment shared by CoMoUK.

    Richard Dilks of CoMoUK added, “If there is to be a trial of rental e-scooters in Scotland, there should be an open dialogue between the UK and Scottish Governments so any lessons learned south of the border can be shared.

  5. E-scooter trial may support Sydney T3 line replacement plan

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    Source: The Guardian

    Transport minister ‘not going to sugarcoat’ disruption to 60,000 people to last until 2025

    During the closure of one of Sydney’s major train lines, thousands of commuters in the area face the prospect of more than doubling their daily journey times, even if the government succeeds in recruiting 160 replacement bus drivers within the next two months.

    As the T3 line undergoes a 12 to 14-month shutdown for conversion into a driverless metro line, Transport for New South Wales has unveiled its plan to accommodate up to 60,000 daily commuters affected by the closure, trialling e-scooters as an alternative mode of transportation.

    The transport minister, Jo Haylen, acknowledged the shutdown would be an “inconvenient and difficult period for commuters in this part of Sydney. We’re not going to sugarcoat this – communities along the T3 lines are going to have a tough time, but there will be services available for them”.

    The Inner West Council is deliberating on approving the government’s request to host Sydney’s second e-scooter trial during the T3 shutdown. However, concerns were raised regarding resident safety, with the initial 10 linked stations proposed by TfNSW suggested to be cut to just 3 by council staff.

    The current trains on the T3 line accommodate over 1,000 commuters during peak hours. While the metro line’s completion in 2025 promises trains running every four minutes during peak times, interim measures include “high-frequency” replacement bus services with three dedicated routes through Sydney’s inner west and southwest.

    According to TfNSW’s latest projections, the replacement bus service between Sydenham and Bankstown is expected to take 58 minutes during evening peak hours, compared to the 24 minutes by train.

    Despite the effort to recruit additional bus drivers, there remains a chronic shortage of drivers across Sydney. Transit Systems, the private bus operator hired for the replacement services, Transit Systems, has made progress in recruitment but faces challenges due to the existing shortage.

    While Transport Minister Haylen expresses confidence in meeting the driver shortfall, concerns persist within the Rail, Tram and Bus Union regarding the feasibility of finding enough drivers. The opposition transport spokesperson, Natalie Ward, criticizes the government’s planning for the conversion project, citing increased driver vacancies and delays in implementation.

  6. UK government publishes new guidance to enhance e-bike and e-scooter safety

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    Source: GOV.UK

    Guidance includes information on how to safely buy, store and charge e-cycles and e-scooters.

    Information around how to safely purchase, charge and use e-bikes and e-scooters has been published by the UK government to improve consumer safety.

    After thorough consultation with the industry, guidance on battery safety has been developed for both e-scooters and e-bikes, which aims to enhance awareness among owners regarding the safe purchase of e-cycles or e-scooters, ensuring compliance with manufacturing requirements, and promoting transactions with reputable sellers. The documents cover information on secure storage and charging, the warning signs for fire risk and how to address them, and responsible battery disposal. The guidance also emphasises that legal use of e-scooters on roads is restricted unless they are part of an official rental trial.

    Separate guidance has been issued to assist public transport operators in evaluating and managing fire risks associated with the transportation of e-bikes and e-scooters on trains and buses. Similar information has been produced for those managing premises such as schools and workplaces.

    Minister Anthony Browne, responsible for Technology and Decarbonisation, affirmed that “Safety has always been our top priority, which is why our latest guidance aims to improve the awareness of e-bike and e-scooter users in the trial areas where they’re authorised.”

    This announcement follows the Home Office’s advice on fire safety for e-scooters and e-bikes published last year. To further understand the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in e-cycles and e-scooters, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is presently conducting a safety study and taking enforcement measures when unsafe products are found.

    The extension of e-scooter trials until May 2026 will facilitate further insights across various areas, including usage, safety and environmental impacts, and the exploration of travel behaviour changes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  7. Leading e-mobility brand LAVOIE acquires VanMoof to accelerate its global growth and redefine premium urban transport

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    LAVOIE, the premium e-mobility company backed by global technology company McLaren Applied, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the VanMoof premium e-bike business.

    Under the terms of the agreement, the acquisition will see LAVOIE and McLaren Applied inject stability into the VanMoof operations, then combining and integrating their premium capabilities to create a next-generation e-mobility business and establish a world-leading premium e-mobility offering.

    The move forms part of LAVOIE’s global growth strategy to redefine premium e-mobility and transform movement around busy urban areas, as part of an enjoyable and more active lifestyle.

    The expansion will include e-bikes in parallel with LAVOIE’s existing premium e-scooter operation with an exciting synergy allowing the business to redefine the growing e-mobility sector by approaching urban mobility via the world of serious automotive engineering. This acquisition will allow this expanded company to tap into the leadership of independent technology pioneers McLaren Applied.

    Nick Fry, McLaren Applied Chairman: “The acquisition of VanMoof underscores our commitment to strengthen and grow our world-leading e-mobility business. We see a huge potential to transform the way people travel around the congested cities of the world in a more active and enjoyable way.”

    “This exciting deal helps us to accelerate global growth, allowing us to increase the scale and quality of products and services we can offer to our customers. We are fully committed to being leaders in manufacturing premium e-mobility products that are redefining the category with each ride.”

    Eliott Wertheimer, LAVOIE CEO: “With its next generation of e-bikes, smart technology, innovative design, and loyal customer base, VanMoof and LAVOIE fit together perfectly. VanMoof has 190,000 customers globally and our commitment is to continue to keep those riders on the road whilst we stabilise and efficiently grow the VanMoof business and continue to develop its world-class products.”

    The LAVOIE team is driven by a desire to redefine the future of personal urban mobility and provide viable solutions to the challenge of urban commuting in congested cities. LAVOIE believes that e-scooters and e-bikes offer a sustainable and efficient form of transportation.

    LAVOIE is McLaren Applied’s premium e-mobility company. LAVOIE is a subsidiary of technology pioneers McLaren Applied, not McLaren Group. Although McLaren Applied was part of the Group for 20 years, it is now under different ownership and is an independent entity from McLaren Group, McLaren Automotive and McLaren Racing.

    ABOUT LAVOIE

    McLaren Applied’ s LAVOIE is totally committed to improving personal mobility. Using its heritage in premium automotive, combined with strong pedigrees in engineering and science, LAVOIE re- imagines products you can trust will improve personal transportation and add enjoyment to every journey. Operating at the intersection between high-end design and superlative performance, LAVOIE is set to redefine urban mobility and become a major global player in the premium e-mobility market. www.lavoielectric.com

  8. My-eScooter launches battery regeneration service for sustainable mobility in Belgium

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    My-eScooter, the Nivelles-based company specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of innovative electric scooters, announces the launch of its brand-new battery regeneration service in Belgium.

    This technological advance marks an important step in the field of sustainable mobility. It demonstrates My-eScooter’s commitment to promoting an efficient transition towards even more environmentally friendly transport solutions.

    Battery life and performance

    My-eScooter is not in the business of shared scooters, but in that of electric mobility serving individuals wishing to buy a scooter for regular use, and businesses.

    “We are aware of the challenges and criticisms faced by electric bikes and scooters. Particularly when it comes to battery life and performance. In addition to the limited number of charge cycles of a battery, we find that the majority of users do not charge their scooter during the winter. As a result, the battery is completely discharged, or even damaged when we want to use it again,” explains Sanjeev D’Souza*, founder of the My-eScooter brand.

    Regenerate up to 80% of initial capacity

    Since its launch in 2017, My-eScooter has always innovated based on the reality on the ground for Belgian users. The replaceable batteries on some of its models are proof of this. My-eScooter is determined to maximize their use while minimizing their environmental impact. The battery regeneration service allows used batteries to be restored by recovering up to 80% of their initial capacity. Bye bye new battery, hello extended lifespan!

    The advantages of battery regeneration:

    • Decreased demand for raw materials
    • Reduced costs associated with battery replacement
    • Contribution to the reduction of electronic waste
    • Recovery of up to 80% of initial capacity
    • 30 to 40% more economical than buying a new battery
    • The battery of your scooter does not leave Europe

    My-eScooter after-sales service is carried out in Belgium. My-eScooter’s battery regeneration service uses cutting-edge technologies to evaluate, restore and test batteries. The service is carried out in Europe to guarantee optimal performance and reduce CO2 emissions.

    Longer-lasting batteries, a cleaner future

    By launching this new battery regeneration service, My-eScooter reaffirms its commitment to sustainable mobility. Companies, their employees, and private users can now benefit from an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to extend the life of their electric scooters.

    “Our new battery regeneration service represents a major step forward for our brand and reinforces our initial commitment. We are ready to offer this service for other brands and other types of solutions linked to sustainable mobility such as electric bicycles or forklifts for example,” says Sanjeev D’Souza, founder of the My-eScooter brand.

  9. 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.

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