Madrid to ban e-scooters for reckless driving and chaotic parking
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https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/madrid-ban-e-scooters-reckless-driving-chaotic-parking-2024-09-05/
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/madrid-ban-e-scooters-reckless-driving-chaotic-parking-2024-09-05/
I mean, I appreciate the idea of micromobility and electric alternatives to cars and such, but I also get why cities might hate them. People park like shit, the scooters are maintained poorly, the whole concept of scooters is dangerous as fuck in normal traffic. E-bikes are far superior and the mode of transportation that should be pushed. That, and people should stop ruining good things for everyone by being dicks.
I think the issue lies with the rented one and how people can comfortably leave it anywhere because the scooter is locked by default. If it's private owned, the owner will very likely take care of it by parking it somewhere safe and far away from harm way. Escooter is great when you're riding a train or bus, you can just fold it up and use it as a last mile solution, or at least the low powered and light one does, but these thing are big and isn't meant to be taken into train or bus. Instead of banning i think speed limit and motor power and where it allowed to ride should be controlled.
I agree with the city on this one. Until the issues regarding user safety, reckless driving, maintenance, and proper storage locations are addressed and solved, e-scooters should not be rented out like this.