Paris becomes first European city to ban electric scooter rentals

Tier is one of the companies moving its e-scooters to other French cities. Credit: ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images

Paris is about to phase out its latest electric scooter for rent as it becomes the first major European capital to ban vehicle rentals from its streets.

To Lime operators, Dott and Tier have been given a September 1 deadline to recall their approximately 15,000 e-scooters from the French capital.

The restriction applies only to rental units, while Parisians are still allowed to ride private e-scooters.

The move came after almost 90 percent of voters in a spring referendum supported a total ban on scooter rentals.

Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of the city and a vocal opponent of units, vowed to honor the results of the vote, in which about 103,000 people voted.

Companies noted that the turnout was less than 10 percent. those who have the right to vote.

They also argued that Paris will not keep pace with other cities that have launched and expanded their mode of transport, such as London, Liverpool and Newcastle in the UK, where vehicles are being tested.

But officials insisted on banning e-scooters or trotnets, ending a chapter in the city's controversial five-year history of technology.

Road safety concerns

When Paris became the first major city to roll out e-scooters in 2018, the city was hailed as a pioneer in offering local residents an alternative, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get around.

But public opinion began to change after a string of fatal accidents. outcome, raising concerns about road safety.

Calls for a total ban gained momentum in 2021 after a pedestrian on the banks of the Seine was hit and killed by two drivers who then fled the scene.

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Three more people died in accidents involving electric scooters. were reported in Paris last year.

Deaths were also reported elsewhere in France. Last weekend, a 50-year-old man died after being hit by a car near Toulouse while riding an e-scooter.

In preparation for the upcoming ban, operators have been loading up their e-scooters in recent weeks. on trucks and have them shipped to other cities where they are still legal, including Bordeaux, Marseille and Lyon in France.

Meanwhile, Lime, Dott and Tier are looking to expand their e-bike offering. in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games next summer.

Cities around the world facing similar safety issues with e-scooters are trying to figure out how to operate these electric scooters.

Many have imposed bans. before allowing their return under stricter conditions such as Madrid and Copenhagen.