E-scooters Being Outlawed In One Major City?
E-scooters are being outlawed in Paris to make city streets safer for pedestrians.
E-scooters have become a popular mode of transportation for individuals in major cities worldwide. With their electric motors, they offer a convenient, eco-friendly, and affordable option for getting around. However, not everyone is a fan of these “scrappy scramblers.”
According to a recent article published by NPR, residents of Paris have voted by an overwhelming majority to remove e-scooters from the city’s public spaces. The decision to “bid adieu” was made in response to years of complaints from residents of the area over the dangers and difficulties created by these vehicles.
La Sécurité Avant Tout or “Safety First”
Many Paris residents consider this an essential step in maintaining the accessibility and safety of their city’s streets, even though some may view it as an extreme measure. On sidewalks, e-scooters have become increasingly ubiquitous, and many riders routinely disobey traffic laws, jeopardizing pedestrians’ safety. In addition, discarded scooters add clutter to the streets, making it more difficult for others to get about.
Arnaud Kielbasa, co-founder of the Apacauvi charity, which advocates for victims of e-scooter accidents, expressed his happiness about a recent development. According to a report by CBS, he stated, “We’re happy. It’s what we’ve been fighting for over four years.” Kielbasa’s own family had also fallen victim to such an accident when his wife and infant daughter were hit by someone on an electric scooter.
“All Parisians say they are nervous on the pavements, nervous when they cross the roads. You need to look everywhere,” Kielbasa told reporters. “That’s why they’ve voted against them.”
Are E-Scooters Economically Essential?
Some people who ride electric scooters contend that they offer an essential service, particularly for individuals who cannot buy a car or do not want to rely on public transportation. They also highlight the fact that e-scooters are a more environmentally friendly alternative to cars and can contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions. Nonetheless, other people do not support the choice.
Indeed, eliminating e-scooters is not without a cost. The contracts will be terminated at a cost of 930,000 euros (approximately $1 million) to Paris City Hall from the three rental suppliers, Lime, Dott, and Tier. The businesses have stated that they employ approximately 800 individuals.
So, what exactly does this ruling mean for people who ride e-scooters in Paris?
NPR reported that the electric “eye sores” should be out of sight in central Paris at the end of August when the city’s contracts with the three operators expire. However, the banning of e-scooters will not apply to privately owned scooters, nor does it apply in other French cities where electric scooters are available for rent.
Even though this could be discouraging for some people, it is essential to remember that safety is always the most important factor when making these types of decisions. Moreover, if they are not utilized safely and responsibly, e-scooters can be dangerous to both drivers and pedestrians. Finally, riders and local officials must collaborate to create a solution that satisfies the needs of all parties.
