This week's top 3 stories: Ford and SEAT get in on the scooter action, Paris invites bids for car sharing schemes, Addison Lee loses its appeal.
1. Ford and SEAT are hopping onto the electric scooters trend
Vehicle manufacturers Ford and SEAT have this week both announced that they will launch electric-scooter sharing schemes. Ford has acquired electric scooter operator Spin for a reported $100 million. SEAT has announced that it has developed an electric scooter in partnership with Segway-Ninebot. SEAT is currently exploring locations in Spain to launch pilot electric scooter-sharing schemes.
2. Paris opens applications for new car sharing schemes
Paris City Hall has issued a call for applications to operate car sharing schemes in the city following the collapse of the Autolib' electric car sharing scheme. The announcement outlines that the schemes must based on round trip services, where users return the vehicle to the original parking space, and that the schemes are intended for longer trips, from half a day upwards. On offer are around 500 parking spaces (including 200 that are already in existence) and access to 150 electric vehicle charging stations previously used by Autolib'. Competition to participate is likely to be intense, as established car share platforms and major manufacturers have been expressing their desire to fill the car sharing void left by the demise of Autolib'.
3. Addison Lee loses appeal on drivers' employment status
In a widely expected decision the UK Employment Appeal Tribunal has upheld a ruling that drivers for private hire and courier company, Addison Lee, should be considered as workers, rather than self-employed contractors. As workers the drivers will be entitled to claim employment rights like the minimum wage and holiday pay. The judgement could potentially affect thousands of drivers, although the ruling only directly applies to those drivers who brought the claim. According to Liana Wood, one of the solicitors acting on behalf of the drivers, around 40 more will now press similar claims.
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:
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