Lisbon changes direction on scooters

As in many cities across the world, Lisbon has tried various ways to help slow down climate change. One solution has been the e-scooter, which is inexpensive to use and can be ridden by anyone. It can also reach every part of a city.

While the e-scooter has many advantages, Lisbon's now the latest city which is bringing in stricter rules on use, due to problems. Carlos Moedas, the mayor, says from now on things will change. There'll be fixed places for parking, and hire companies will own a limited number of scooters. The vehicles will also have to be driven more slowly.

Carlos Moedas:"Three major decisions have been taken concerning scooters. Firstly, compulsory parking places, so that people can no longer leave their scooters wherever they want. We will create "hot spots" where they can leave their scooters and only there can they leave them. Secondly, a limited number of scooters for each operator. Thirdly, the maximum speed is set at 20 kilometres per hour."

The cities of Stockholm and Oslo have already introduced tighter rules in response to accidents and other issues.

Marino Machado's a hospital surgeon and has also done research on road accidents with scooters.

Marino Machado: "As for scooter accidents, in financial terms, if you add emergency care, medical consultations, hospital admissions and surgeries, you are looking at around 300,000 euros over the course of one year."

The changes will take place this month and it's hoped they'll help solve some of Lisbon's problems. If this isn't the case, the e-scooters could be banned, as on the streets of Barcelona and Montreal.

Regular e-scooter rider Micaela likes the sound of the new rules.

Micaela Marcos: "I think these measures are good, they will improve safety for users, for drivers and for pedestrians."

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