Tag Archive: shared micromobility

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

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

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

    Source: Prague Daily News & Expats.cz

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

    Why is Prague considering banning electric scooters?

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

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

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

    How will the ban on electric scooters work?

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

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

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

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

  2. A strategy for improving disabled people’s access to shared micromobility

    Comments Off on A strategy for improving disabled people’s access to shared micromobility

    Source: CoMoUK

    UK shared mobility charity, CoMoUK, has published an extensive report on strategies for boosting access to shared mobility for disabled people, in collaboration with RiDC (Research Institute of Disabled Consumers), and commissioned by the Motability Foundation.

    CoMoUK recognises that the scope of shared micromobility schemes has expanded over recent years with greater inclusion of e-scooters and e-bikes. Although this has opened up the various benefits of shared modes to more people, a significant 7% of users have long-term health conditions which affect their daily activity, and access to shared modes is not always feasible. CoMoUK wants to see the broadening of inclusion and access to shared mobility.

    The CoMoUK report, Raising the bar – Boosting the accessibility of shared micromobility, is written primarily for shared micromobility operators, policymakers and disability associations. It found that many more disabled people than the 7% mentioned above would like to access shared micromobility services – 53% of respondents felt these services could improve the lives of disabled people – but that there are several barriers preventing this. The report has identified three core areas to improve:

    Awareness and education: This will empower disabled people with the knowledge and confidence to understand what shared micromobility services are, and how to access these services.

    Accessible vehicle design: The development of vehicles that safely meet the needs of disabled users and pedestrians.

    Accessible digital platforms: Booking apps and service platforms should be user-friendly and inclusive.

    The full report can be read and downloaded here.