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Lisbon electric scooter regulation debate

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-21 18:33 UTC → 2026-10-21 22:49 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In Lisbon, the Automóvel Clube de Portugal (ACP) has collected approximately 20,000 signatures to trigger a municipal referendum regarding the city’s shared electric scooter systems. This initiative, which exceeds the legal requirement of 5,000 signatures, seeks to address concerns over pedestrian safety, sidewalk accessibility, and high accident rates. The ACP reported over 1,300 scooter-related accidents in 2024 and more than 5,000 since 2019. Following this petition, Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas addressed the issue at a United Nations Global Road Safety Campaign, describing the current management of scooter parking and improper riding behaviors as a “great chaos.” While the Mayor previously negotiated a 50% reduction in the number of shared scooters, he indicated that further interventions may be necessary if operators fail to prevent risky behaviors, such as riding against traffic. By October 2026, Mayor Moedas escalated his stance, announcing plans to end shared electric scooter services in the city. On October 19, 2026, he ~~announced~~ proposed the suspension of the shared electric scooter system, citing circulation and safety issues such as vehicles being ridden against traffic and obstructing sidewalks. ~~Carlos Barbosa, president of the ACP, supported the suspension, stating that previous educational efforts failed to improve user behavior and noting~~ Municipal data indicated that services recover more than 1,200 improperly parked scooters ~~have caused “significant disruptions~~ every month. This proposal drew political criticism: the Livre party accused the administration of using the ban to ~~pedestrians~~ hide years of inaction, while the Socialist Party (PS) argued the suspension undermines a popular referendum initiative and ~~urban order.”~~ suggested focusing on the Gira bike-sharing system instead. On October 21, 2026, the Lisbon City Council approved the suspension and total removal of shared electric scooters. The decision establishes a 60-day period for the cessation of operations and the removal of all vehicles from public spaces. Officials stated the move aims to create a “more organised, safer city with a more orderly and respectful public space for everyone.” ~~To support alternative soft mobility, the council approved the expansion of the city's cycling network, including an increase in Gira network stations.~~

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