Tag Archive: Poland

  1. The first report on private electric kick-scooter users in Poland

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    Source: Smart Ride.pl

    93% of frequent electric scooter users in Poland would buy one again. Nearly 86% use their scooters several times a week during the season, and one in three even rides in winter.

    “Riders 2024” is the first report to explore the popularity of these vehicles from the perspective of their owners. The survey of electric scooter owners was conducted and prepared by SmartRide.pl, a Polish website specializing in micromobility.

    The report reflects the views and practices of people with significant experience who have come to know both the bright and dark sides of using these vehicles. At the same time, this is a group that is not well understood and, unlike cyclists, is not represented by any social organizations in Poland – says Zbigniew Domaszewicz, publisher of SmartRide.pl.

    Not a Toy, Not Just for Young People

    The stereotype that “electric scooters are toys for young people” turns out to be false. The majority of survey participants (61.5%) are between 30 and 50 years old (over 90% are men). During the season, electric scooter owners use their vehicles at least several times a week—85.7% of respondents declared this. One-third of the respondents use their electric scooters year-round, even in winter. For over 77% of respondents, owning an e-scooter has practical utility: “It helps me commute and shortens travel time.” When asked about the primary use of these vehicles, the top answer (27%) was “regular short commutes to school, work, or university, up to 5-7 km one way.” Although adults in Poland do not need a license to ride an e-scooter, the majority of respondents (65.7%) have a driver’s license.

    “Small” Electromobility Stands on Its Own

    Unlike electric cars, which are widely supported by government incentive programs, “small” electromobility is developing spontaneously. Instead of subsidies, it is driven by positive experiences: users are satisfied with their device and their decision to purchase it. When asked, “Would you buy an electric scooter again today?” 93% of survey participants answered yes. Surveyed e scooter owners also have other vehicles—most commonly a traditional bicycle (63%) and a car (62%). Nevertheless, 53% of respondents use their electric scooters most frequently.

    Among the main advantages of e-scooters, low operating costs topped the list with over 69% of responses. Nearly 61% of respondents consider it a very useful vehicle, easy to use even for short distances, and 54% enjoy the ride. Additionally, 43% appreciate that the device takes up little space, and two in five highlight that it is emission-free.

    There Are Downsides Too

    The biggest drawback of electric scooters, according to 68% of respondents, is the current Polish road regulations, which they consider too restrictive for this category of vehicles (speed limit to 20/km, maximum net weight 30 kg). Other weak points include the lack of water resistance (almost 57%) and small wheels (44%). High risk of tipping over was the fourth most mentioned issue (29%), and a similar percentage expressed concerns about battery fires.

    Other weak points include the lack of water resistance (almost 57%) and small wheels (44%). High risk of tipping over was the fourth most mentioned issue (29%), and a similar percentage expressed concerns about battery fires.

    Falls Are a Real Risk. Sources of Danger

    The most commonly used personal protective equipment while riding an e-scooter is a helmet: over 41% of respondents “always or often” wear a full-face helmet, and 31% wear a bicycle helmet. Gloves are worn by over 53% of survey participants, and more than two in five ride with glasses or goggles. However, 24% of respondents usually do not use any personal protective equipment.
    Nearly 83% of respondents have never had a collision with another road user, but only 45% have never experienced an individual accident or tip-over. These incidents most often result in scrapes and bruises, but over 6% of respondents rated such an event as serious, requiring treatment and rehabilitation. Those who have experienced tip-overs most frequently cite two causes: obstacles on the road not seen in time (30.6%) and slipping (27.5%).

    According to respondents, the three biggest sources of danger for e-scooter users from the environment
    are:

    • Pedestrians carelessly stepping onto bike paths (almost 81%)
    • Uneven, poorly maintained road surfaces (70%)
    • Drivers forcing right of way (59%)

    As for the riskiest behaviors of e-scooter users themselves, respondents pointed to:

    • Lack of imagination and failure to predict others’ behavior on the road (79%)
    • Recklessness and overestimating one’s abilities (59%)
    • Lack of riding skills and technique (54%)
      The most important factor for safety, according to nearly 69% of respondents, is cautious, defensive
      riding with constant vigilance.

    The most important factor for safety, according to nearly 69% of respondents, is cautious, defensive riding with constant vigilance.

    The “Riders 2024. Private Electric Scooter Users in Poland” report was based on an online survey completed by 350 respondents, obtained, among others, through social media groups associating e-scooter users. The report also touches on issues such as compliance with traffic regulations, insurance, and future purchasing plans. The full report in Polish is available for free download on SmartRide.pl.

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    redakcja@smartride.pl

  2. Stromer’s subsidiary brand announces Kross as a new production partner

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    Speed pedelec brand Stromer welcomes a new manufacturer on board to meet increasing demand for Deskinio’s premium urban bikes.

    Spanish company Deskinio was added to Stromer’s portfolio in 2021, and has had significant growth since then, especially in Germany. The brand is expecting a positive 2024, and to facilitate further growth it has recently changed its assembly and painting site from Italy, to Kross’ Polish production centre, with its R&D department remaining at its headquarters in Granada, Spain.

    Kross’ bicycle production history

    Over thirty years Kross has developed from a small company to one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in Poland, with an annual production capacity of 500,000 bikes. Its cutting-edge facility is located in Przasnysz, Poland and has a dedicated R&D team, in-house testing lab, three production lines, carbon frame production, and automated painting, which enable Kross to make bikes from initial design to final product.

    A positive outlook from management

    Morten Kristiansen, Managing Director of Desiknio, has said the following on the new partnership :

    “For Desiknio, market leader in high-quality urban mobility solutions, quality and attention to detail are crucial. Our customers expect only the best from Desiknio – and with Kross we have one Partner who embodies an equal level of craftsmanship and quality in what they do.”

    Stromer’s Co-CEO Tomi Viiala has said:

    “We are pleased to have Kross as our new assembly partner for Desiknio. When searching, it was important for us to find a European assembly partner with a lot of knowledge and experience in assembly and painting of bicycles. With Kross we have the right partner for our growth plans.”

    Kross’ VP, Kacper Sosnowski is also very positive about this new venture:

    “We are looking forward to this collaboration. It is part of Kross’ strategy to offer our experience, product knowledge and resources to carefully selected partners. We are proud to be able to meet the growing demand for Desiknio bikes with our knowledge and capacity. I am convinced that the production location Europe is important in the purchasing process for end customers. Our location helps to shorten lead times and also has a positive impact on the CO2 footprint. Together with Desiknio, we are convinced that assembly in our factory is just a first step in our collaboration.”

  3. Krakow proposes measures to tackle e-scooter parking problems

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    Source: Eltis

    Similar to many European cities, Krakow in Poland has experienced rapid growth in the use of e-scooters, the majority of which have been provided by shared mobility operators. However, like many cities, it has encountered the growing problem of e-scooters that have been parked improperly or abandoned throughout the city, causing obstructions and becoming a a source of frustration for the city’s residents. As a result, the city’s authorities have put forward new measures to regulate the parking of e-scooters.

    In May, the city’s authorities communicated with three commercial e-scooter operators about the forthcoming changes. Deputy Mayor of Krakow, Andrzej Kulig, stated, “We informed the representatives of three companies about the end of the period of free use of the city space. We also proposed the introduction of a municipal patrol, which would be financed by operators from fines for improperly parked scooters, as well as fees for using areas belonging to the municipality.” Kulig further explained, “The current state of Krakow is unsustainable…Despite existing arrangements with equipment operators, the problem of abandoned devices has been steadily growing, mainly due to the lack of legal regulations.”

    In 2020, Krakow Public Transport Authority and e-scooter operators entered an agreement, encompassing measures including enforcing a speed limit for e-scooters in the city centre and designating a no-parking zone including the Old Town and sections of the Vistula Boulevards. Outside of these areas, e-scooters were directed to be parked at specified locations known as ‘mobility hubs’. These hubs, established and designed by the City without charge for operators, were designated areas for proper parking. Operators were made responsible for the removal of improperly parked e-scooters. The city has now informed operators that they will need to start paying for the use of the mobility hubs under a lease contract. Additionally, the operators will be fined for e-scooters that require removal.

    In the meantime, the commercial operators have agreed between themselves to cap the maximum number of e-scooters at mobility hubs in central areas. In practice, users will be unable to return e-scooters once the hub’s maximum capacity is reached, meaning they will have to find an alternative hub. The operators have also urged the city to establish additional mobility points, potentially introducing a new type that permits users to start and end rentals, but unlike the current mobility points, there would be no active e-scooter deployment by operators. Moreover, the maximum number of e-scooters permitted at these points would be significantly lower.

    Krakow city authorities are optimistic that these new measures will alleviate the nuisance caused by improperly parked e-scooters. If not, they will explore additional actions, which could potentially include restricting e-scooter numbers by regulation or even terminating contracts with the operators.

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