Top 3 On-Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 13 June 2019

This week's top three: European safety body calls for e-scooter regulations; Paris Mayor's new measures against e-scooters; latest government stats on UK attitudes to transport tech.

1. European safety body calls for new rules for e-scooters

The European Transport Safety Council has published a report on transport safety across the continent. The report includes a chapter on e-scooters, alongside some policy recommendations for EU Member States. The report argues that the increased uptake of e-scooters in cities requires national governments to create new frameworks for these vehicles. In particular, the report says that Member States should define where e-scooters are permitted to ride, whether that be on pavements, in cycle lanes, or on the roads. It also recommends creating a separate category in police reporting of accidents for e-scooters, to allow authorities to gather more data on the safety implications of these vehicles. At the EU level, the report recommends that EU institutions undertake research into the safety of e-scooters and e-bikes, and that they develop best practice guidelines for the regulation of the industry.

2. Paris Mayor announces new measures for e-scooters

Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, has announced new measures for electric scooters in the French capital. Pending agreement from Paris' Chief of Police, a new law will make it illegal to leave scooters parked on pavements. Hidalgo's is also seeking speed limits of 20 kmph in Paris as a whole and 8 kmph in pedestrian zones. As previously reported, the Mayor intends to issue a new tender for e-scooter operators in the city, limiting the number of approved companies to three. In making this latest announcement Hidalgo has been highly critical of the French Government, saying that the Mobility Orientation Law, which is currently being debated in the National Assembly, does not go far enough in regulating the industry. This week the French National Assembly voted against obliging riders to wear helmets when riding e-scooters.

3. Latest government stats on UK attitudes to transport tech

The UK Government published the latest results from its tracker survey into public attitudes towards transport technology. Awareness of transport services was relatively high for ride hailing, car rental, and bike sharing, but actual use was much lower. For instance, whilst 77% of respondents were aware of ride hailing services, only 28% actually used them. Similarly, although 45% of people were aware of bike sharing schemes, only 3% had ever used them. View the full results here.

This is a weekly note covering the top three developments in the regulation of on-demand transport in Europe. It covers taxis, ride-sharing, car sharing, carpooling, bikes, e-bikes, scooters, shared mopeds and anything else that's relevant to the sector. If you'd like to receive this direct to your inbox then please enter your email address below: