Lisbon proposes suspension of shared electric scooters

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas has proposed the suspension of shared electric scooter services in the capital, a move expected to be approved by the city council's majority. The proposal aims to address significant safety and urban management concerns, including users riding against traffic, riding on sidewalks, and carrying multiple passengers.

City officials noted that improper parking of scooters creates obstacles for pedestrians, particularly affecting the elderly, people with reduced mobility, the visually impaired, and families with strollers. Municipal data indicates that services currently recover more than 1,200 improperly parked scooters every month. If the measure is implemented, private operators may be required to remove their fleets by January 2027.

The proposal has drawn political criticism. The Livre party accused the administration of using the ban to hide years of inaction regarding mobility regulations, while the Socialist Party (PS) argued that the suspension is an attempt to undermine a popular initiative for a local referendum on the issue. The PS suggested that the city should instead focus on reinforcing the Gira bike-sharing system.