For many people around the world, electric scooters and other small e-mobility devices have changed their lives. Moving around the city has never been this easy. Simply charge up your little scoot, throw on your going-out clothes and maybe a backpack, and be on your merry way. No more queueing up at a bus stop or dealing with apps like Uber or Lyft.
But as is always the case when it comes to all things mobility, a balance between safety and convenience always has to be struck.
Up until now, rules and regulations surrounding the use of e-scooters have been inconsistent and confusing at best. This is where the ETSC, or the European Transport Safety Council steps in, as it now calls for the development of mandatory requirements for all e-scooters sold in the European Union.
It’s about damn time, isn’t it?
It all seems pretty reasonable, really, and it’s surprising that the EU is adopting these measures only now, especially given that so many e-scooter-based ride-sharing platforms have been banned across Europe due to safety concerns.
