Five years ago, electric scooters arrived in Paris, France. However, things are changing now as a significant number of Parisians have voted to ban e-scooters on the road.
In 2022, city authorities recorded 408 accidents in Paris; three resulted in a fatality, according to CBS News.
Earlier this week, Parisians were asked to vote in a citywide referendum on scooters, resulting in a landslide. Over 89 percent cast a ballot and voted to see rental scooters banned.
However, only 7.45 percent of Paris' eligible voters, or roughly 103,084 people, cast a ballot.
Also read: E-Scooters: The Ride Of The Future?
Electric Rental Scooters in Paris
It was in 2018 when electric rental scooters were introduced to Paris, that triggered the change in traffic rules to make way for them. Many Parisians complained they were a danger to everyone else as some riders go on pedestrian paths, ignore traffic lights, and others would abandon their scooters on sidewalks.
Gradually, new rules were introduced, such as speed limits, designated parking, and limits on the number of providers. Electric scooters were also restricted to bicycle lanes.
On Monday, three companies offered 15,000 electric scooters to users in Paris.
The ban was prompted by concerns about the safety of riders and pedestrians and the impact of electric scooters on the city's infrastructure. It also came after a surge in the popularity of electric scooters in Paris and other major cities around the world.
While many people welcomed the convenience of electric scooters as a mode of transportation, others raised concerns about the safety and environmental impact of the devices.
One of the main concerns about electric scooters is their impact on pedestrian areas. Many riders use the devices on sidewalks and other pedestrian areas, putting pedestrians at risk of collisions and other accidents.
There were also concerns about the impact of electric scooters on the city's infrastructure, including damage to sidewalks and other public spaces.
Despite the controversy, the ban on electric scooters in Paris is part of a broader trend toward regulating electric scooters and other micro-mobility devices. Cities around the world are grappling with the challenges posed by these devices, including safety concerns, infrastructure issues, and the need to balance the interests of riders and pedestrians.
As electric scooters and other micro-mobility devices continue to grow in popularity, we will likely see more regulation and oversight of these devices. The challenge will be to balance promoting innovation and convenience while ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone who uses our city's public spaces.
Related article: WATCH: Paris Violence Intensifies Amid France's Biggest Security Operation