People driving electric scooters on footpaths have become a growing problem across the world. In an attempt to fix the issue the Swedish government has decided on a driving ban on footpaths for electric scooters. This ban will apply and the law enforced from the 1st of September 2022.
– Now we get our streets in order as well. Speeding electric scooters on footpaths has been a big problem in many cities. Now that’s over. Together with the parking ban, this proposal will improve accessibility and safety for everyone walking on our footpaths
Tomas Eneroth, Infrastructure minister, Sweden
With the change, the same rules that apply to traditional bicycles and electric bicycles will also apply to electric scooters and other non-self-balancing electric bicycles without pedal and crank devices. If you break the law, the penalty can be that you are fined.
Along with the ban for driving also comes a parking ban for electric scooters on footpaths and cycle paths. The government has decided that e-scooters will no longer be able to park on footpaths and cycle paths blocking the way for pedestrians. There has been a number of reports during the last years on older people falling on scooters lying on the pathway. Now the electric scooters will need to be parked at bicycle racks or dedicated scooter parking areas.
This gives municipalities and the Police more opportunity to move incorrectly parked e-scooters.
– Thrown away and carelessly parked e-scooters have unfortunately become commonplace in many cities. Municipalities and electric scooter companies have so far been unable to control the parking chaos. Therefore, we are now introducing a parking ban on footpaths and cycle paths. There must be order and order in our streets and squares,
Tomas Eneroth, Infrastructure minister, Sweden
The government has decided on a regulation amendment which means a parking ban for electric scooters on footpaths and cycle paths, other than on a stand or device for parking bicycles. The new rules mean that municipalities and the Police now can more easily move electric scooters when they are on footpaths or cycle lanes. The cost for the move will be billed to the electric scooter companies.
Sources: (Swedish)
