They block bike paths, pile up at bus stops and lie criss-cross on sidewalks: e-scooters!
The German Association of Cities has complained about chaotic conditions in city centers and has called for stricter regulation from the federal government. Reason: There are simply too many e-scooters!
▶ ︎ “The scooter-Mikado in public spaces has to stop,” said CEO Helmut Dedy of the “Rheinische Post” on Thursday. Municipalities should be able to set upper limits for e-scooters “for example in overcrowded inner cities”.
In addition, there should be areas against, in which the electric scooters are not allowed. “We need traffic signs that clearly state: Driving e-scooters is prohibited here, but bicycles are still allowed,” says Dedy. Above all, uncontrolled parking is a problem for all road users – but especially for people with disabilities.
Another problem: traffic safety!
The German traffic watch demands a general alcohol ban for e-scooter drivers, the introduction of helmet requirements and the driver’s license as proof of knowledge of traffic rules.
President Kurt Bodewig told the “Rheinische Post” that electric scooters had become a major problem for safety on the street. “Too often you see drunk people in the cities who are out and about in e-scooters.” That is “extremely dangerous”.
According to Bodewig, “it must also be considered whether those who cause an accident with an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol should not lose their existing driving license.”
The approval of the scooter for road traffic is “hip, but not done responsibly,” said the traffic watch president. E-scooters have been allowed on the road since 2019.
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