Parisians went to the polls yesterday to vote on whether electric scooters should be banned, with an overwhelming 90 percent calling for the vehicles to be removed. While support for the ban was almost unanimous, it has been reported that the turnout for the vote could have been as low as eight percent.
Paris was seen as a world leader when it came to e-scooters, with the French capital embracing the vehicle for being environmentally friendly when they were introduced in 2018.
Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, has supported numerous sustainable travel methods like walking and cycling, but described electric scooters as “a source of tension and worry”.
Jonathan White, Legal and Compliance Director at National Accident Helpline, commented on the ban in Paris and whether a similar move could be taken in the UK.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, he said: “Paris has voted to ban for-hire electric scooters from the streets of the French capital after a referendum was called in response to a rising number of people being injured and killed on e-scooters.
“This news provides an opportunity for Transport for London (TfL) to carefully consider the safety of the travelling public in the UK.
“Whilst the intention behind e-scooters was to offer an alternative to public transport and ‘greener’ option than cars, the rampant use of private e-scooters is evading public authorities and is becoming the cause of an increasing number of road accidents and injuries to pedestrians.
“Our research shows that the majority of Brits (63 percent) want electric scooters banned from public roads, while three-quarters believe a driving licence and insurance should be a requirement to use an e-scooter.”
Research from National Accident Helpline found that almost three-quarters of people believe e-scooter riders should be required to have a licence to drive a scooter on a public road.
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A further 76 percent have called for a requirement to have insurance, to protect riders and the general public in the event of an accident.
There are also concerns about anti-social behaviour on the vehicles, including “drink riding”, with e-scooter riders five times more likely to drink-ride than cyclists.
Mr White continued, saying: “Given these safety concerns, it’s crucial that regulation is put in place to curb the illegal and dangerous use of private e-scooters, as well as reinforce rules for rental schemes too.
“With growing concern around the safety of e-scooters in the UK, it’s vital that people know the law and understand whether they’re eligible to make a claim if an accident occurs or is not their fault.
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“Our research shows that 47 percent of respondents in Britain worry there is a stigma around claiming after an accident.”
It is estimated that almost a quarter of pedestrians and drivers who were involved in an accident had “no idea” that they could be entitled to compensation.
A recent Express.co.uk poll found that 87 percent of survey participants said electric scooters should be banned from public roads.
Only 12 percent – or 172 people – said they should not, arguing there is nothing wrong with the vehicles, but the riders can sometimes be inconsiderate.
Jonathan White said it was key for the Department for Transport to promote education among riders and those interested in buying an e-scooter.
He added: “However, the onus is not just on owners of private e-scooters but on retailers too.
“The Department of Transport should take action against retailers which fail to properly inform customers of the risks and regulations around the use of private e-scooters.
“They should be prepared to cooperate with police in taking enforcement action against illegal and unsafe use of private e-scooters.”
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