This week's top three: New e-scooters regulations in Austria, there are now more EV charging points than petrol stations in the UK, political pressure builds in Ireland for legalisation of e-scooters.
1. New e-scooter regulations on the way in Austria
An amendment to the Road Traffic Act which regulates the use of electric scooters is set to enter into force on 2 June. Under the new rules, scooters will have to comply with new product safety standards, and users will not be allowed to drive on pavements or pedestrian crossings. The law also makes riding whilst using a mobile phone an offence, as well as riding above the legal alcohol limit.
2. Number of EV charging points surpasses petrol stations in the UK
Data from Zap-Map, a website which charts all of the public electric vehicle charging points in the UK, shows that, for the first time, EV charging points are more numerous than petrol stations. The figures show 8,471 charging points, compared to 8,400 petrol stations. The number of EV charging points has increased by 57% in the last 12 months, and analysts have predicted that there will be at least one million EVs in use in the UK by 2022.
3. Pressure grows to legalise and regulate e-scooters in Ireland
Fianna Fáil, the main opposition party, has introduced a Bill setting out guidelines for the safe use of electric scooters. The Bill, drafted by Robert Troy TD, removes the requirement for electric scooters to be taxed and insured by changing the definition of mechanically propelled vehicles so that electric scooters are not included. The Bill also sets a maximum speed limit of 25km/h. Ireland's Road Safety Authority is currently researching regulations in other European countries, and the Government has said that no regulations will be forthcoming until the RSA's investigation is complete.
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:
Topics: Transport, Sharing and on-demand transport, Top 3 Mobility Stories This Week, Mobility
Written by David Abrahams
David’s is an experienced public affairs practitioner with a background in competition regulation and a particular focus on technology, mobility, telecoms and internet infrastructure. He leads Inline's mobility practice.
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