Scooters powered by electricity are not the solution we've been seeking

In the bustling city of Düsseldorf, the introduction of e-scooters has brought about a new mode of transportation. However, recent developments have raised concerns regarding their impact on public spaces, safety, and the environment.

No new companies have been announced as providers of e-scooters in Düsseldorf as of late. Existing mobility management in the city involves several shared mobility providers, but no recent announcements of new companies offering e-scooters were found. Uber, which operates e-scooters in other German cities, has made no new announcements regarding Düsseldorf.

However, two new providers, Bird and Circ, have recently announced their intent to offer their scooters in Düsseldorf. This expansion comes as other mobility providers enter the market to provide alternatives to individual motorized transport.

Despite the hope for e-scooters to replace cars, they are not doing so in Germany. Cars still hold priority in German city centers, and a staggering 70% of all trips in the country are made using passenger cars. In fact, Germany has 57 million motor vehicles registered, with 47 million being passenger cars.

The use of e-scooters in Germany is causing concerns due to their impact on public space, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. Since their introduction in June, a total of 21 accidents have been recorded in Düsseldorf by September 1st, with three people seriously injured. In 75% of the cases, the scooter riders were themselves the cause of the accident.

The focus on car-centric traffic policy in Germany is facing new challenges. The use of pedestrian zones for e-scooters is becoming a nuisance, according to complaints received. Last week, police officers in Düsseldorf, with the support of traffic monitoring, controlled 125 people riding electric micro-vehicles and e-bikes. Eleven fines were issued against drivers who transported a passenger on the scooter, and seven fines were issued for the use of unauthorized traffic areas such as sidewalks and pedestrian zones.

Two cases involving the use of mobile phones on the scooter required reports to be filed by the officers. Furthermore, the nightly collection using transporters for scooter maintenance adds to the negative environmental impact. The production of batteries and the short lifespan of the scooters, averaging just four months, contribute to a negative environmental balance.

As e-scooters are being used more as a recreational vehicle, leading to increased congestion in public spaces, it is clear that their impact on the city needs to be addressed. The introduction of new providers, such as Bird and Circ, should be accompanied by stricter regulations and a focus on sustainability to ensure the safety and well-being of all city residents.