Barcelona has decided to put an end to the presence of shared electric scooters on its streets, a measure that has taken years to materialize. The reasons behind this decision are multiple, here are the main ones:
Disorder in the public space
One of the main arguments of the Barcelona government is the disorder that shared scooters generate in public space. These vehicles are often parked on sidewalks and plazas, creating a chaotic situation. Mobility Councilwoman Laia Bonet explained that this situation alters the arrangement of public space, a problem that the local administration is seeking to solve.
New road signs to improve pedestrian safety in BCN
Road safety
Another important point is the risk to road safety. Anyone, with no experience in urban traffic, can rent and ride a shared electric scooter. This could endanger scooter users as well as pedestrians and drivers.
While this is a legitimate concern, national regulations and technology exist to monitor and track these vehicles, which could minimize risks.
Barcelona bans shared electric scooters
Barcelona’s closure to shared electric scooters is not an isolated decision, as the regulation of these services has been a topic under discussion for several years. The city will still allow the use of private scooters, but the supply of shared personal mobility vehicles has stopped.
The measure also includes a ban on carrying scooters on public transport, with fines of up to €200. However, this ban is expected to be relaxed in November.
Barcelonans prefer public transportation for commuting to work
Despite the restriction on shared electric scooters, Barcelona continues to offer shared mobility options, such as the Bicing municipal bicycle program and the new AMBici electric bicycle initiative, which extends across 15 metropolitan locations around the city.
A mobility challenge
The ban on shared electric scooters in Barcelona is an example of how cities are dealing with the challenges of shared mobility and the integration of new technologies in public space.
The debate over electric scooters in cities is likely to continue as authorities seek to balance the convenience of these vehicles with safety and proper management of public space.
Smou: an App to facilitate the use of Bicing in Barcelona
The Smou app is another way to help with mobility in the city, as it helps Bicing users in Barcelona. Thanks to it, cyclists can know in advance if there are available bicycles or free anchorages at a specific station.
Barcelona is and will continue to be a city with problems of traffic jams and excessive traffic. For this reason, many people prefer to use bicycles or skateboards to get around more quickly and quietly.
