A street speed scooter rental service operating through a mobile app will stop serving Paris starting September 1. This update, reported by TASS, marks a shift in how the city manages micro-mobility options. It accompanies a broader move by Parisian authorities to scrutinize and eventually limit electric scooter use in the city’s streets and public spaces. The decision signals a decisive approach to balancing convenience with safety and urban planning goals in the heart of the French capital.
City officials decided not to renew contracts with the three private operators that currently provide electric scooter rentals. As a result, Paris becomes the first major European capital to implement a formal ban on electric scooters for city use. After maintenance and repairs, many of the scooters will be relocated to other parts of France, while others are slated for redistribution to Germany, Poland, Great Britain, and Israel. The redeployment aims to align mobility choices with the city’s transportation priorities and safety requirements, ensuring streets remain accessible and orderly for all road users.
The ban on electric scooters followed a citywide referendum in which more than 100,000 residents participated. Of those who voted on April 2, a large majority—around 90 percent—advocated ending the electric scooter program in the city. The referendum results influenced policymakers to pursue this policy change, underscoring a clear public sentiment in favor of limiting motorized personal transport to address safety concerns, reduce congestion, and support thoughtful urban planning.
Looking at the broader context, Paris recorded roughly 400,000 electric scooter rides in 2022. That year also saw 459 injuries associated with motorized personal vehicles. Those figures fed into the discussion about the safety and practicality of shared micro-mobility devices in densely populated urban areas. City leaders sought a balance between providing convenient transportation options and mitigating risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and other travelers, while preserving mobility for residents and visitors alike.
In related discussions, there have been talks about limiting scooter speeds to 10 kilometers per hour in certain settings. The ongoing dialogue highlights how speed, vehicle design, and urban infrastructure interact to influence road safety and the overall urban experience. The evolving policy landscape emphasizes clear rules and practical enforcement to support safer streets while preserving viable mobility options for the public. These debates reflect a broader trend in European capitals toward more disciplined micro-mobility management, aiming to create safer, more predictable street environments. Attribution: City of Paris official communications and local news coverage.