In a move to prioritize the safety and well-being of its residents, Madrid has announced the ban of shared electric scooters starting next month, following in the footsteps of Paris. Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida expressed concern for the physical integrity of the people of Madrid and emphasized the need to address the cluttering of sidewalks caused by the scooters.
The decision to revoke the authorization of scooter dealership companies was made after the city government found that these companies had failed to meet various requirements. These included providing service to the entire city, lack of adequate insurance coverage, and the absence of technologies to prevent the scooters from circulating or parking in prohibited areas.
Paris, having faced similar issues, had previously held a referendum where voters chose to ban shared electric scooters citywide. This decision was supported by city officials who were frustrated with operators' misuse of public space and the increasing number of scooter-related accidents. Madrid's move to follow suit makes it the latest major city to kick rental scooter operators out, joining the ranks of Paris and Melbourne.
Although last year Lime, Dott, and Tier Mobility were awarded a three-year contract to offer up to 6,000 scooters in Madrid, they will now have to remove them in compliance with the ban. Improper parking in non-authorized areas was highlighted as one of the main issues with scooter rentals in the city.
In response to the decision, Lime expressed disagreement and announced intentions to appeal the ban after receiving an official notification. Dott, on the other hand, declined to comment on the matter. Madrid's stance on banning shared electric scooters reflects a growing trend among major cities to address safety concerns and regulate the use of micro-mobility vehicles to ensure the well-being of their citizens.