Mainz Cracks Down on E-Scooter Parking Issues
Tired of dealing with obstructions and hazards on public roads, Mainz is planning to regulate the business of e-scooter rentals more strictly. Green Party's Janina Steinkrüger, the head of the traffic department, announced that starting spring 2023, providers will need to apply for a special use permit and park their e-scooters in only 25 fixed spots in both the old and new parts of the city. Failure to comply with these rules may lead to warnings, permit revocations, or fines of up to 5,000 euros.
The city will be responsible for monitoring the situation, though additional staff may be needed. Manuela Matz, the CDU's head of the economic affairs department, explained that the city wants to "take care of monitoring itself - it's something that's worthwhile." These regulations aim to address the issue of providers neglecting their responsibility to keep e-scooters from causing obstructions and hazards on public roads.
Despite these measures, other cities may continue to face traffic issues with e-scooters if providers don't comply with the rules. New York State, for instance, is considering registration and annual inspections for e-scooters - including battery safety checks – to improve accountability and safety. Similarly, Honolulu is looking at placing more regulations on e-bikes, potentially restricting parking to ensure safer use of these vehicles.
Educating riders, drivers, and pedestrians about laws governing electric vehicles is another strategy cities are employing. Western states have seen a focus on safety precautions following recent cycling deaths. Many micromobility providers, such as Veo, are now using technology to manage e-scooter parking, ensuring they are parked correctly according to local regulations to prevent obstacles on public roads.
In conclusion, Mainz and other cities are taking steps to balance the benefits of micromobility with the need for safe and orderly use of these vehicles. Registration, inspections, parking regulations, public education, and regulatory frameworks are all being considered to promote responsible e-scooter usage and reduce hazards on public roads.
Sources: and various city and state policies and regulations
