Lisbon approves suspension of shared e-scooter services

Lisbon’s city council approved suspension of the shared e-scooter system on 21 October. The decision provides for private operators to remove their vehicles from municipal public space within 60 days.

According to the decision reported by Observador, operators have 10 days to submit written representations in a prior-hearing process. The vote does not mean all vehicles disappeared from the streets immediately.

PSD, CDS-PP and independents supporting the administration voted in favour. PS, BE and PCP abstained, while Livre and IL voted against.

The municipality argues that improper parking and pavement use particularly affect older people, people with reduced mobility and families with children. The decision includes commitments to strengthen GIRA bike sharing and cycling infrastructure.

Its scope is commercially operated shared scooters, rather than a general prohibition on privately owned scooters. A draft municipal soft-mobility regulation is to be presented within a year.

The adopted text envisages better cycle routes and more GIRA stations and bicycles. BE objected to removing approximately 5,000 shared scooters without sufficient public alternatives, while Livre warned of potential legal disputes arising from unilateral termination of agreements.

If vehicles are not removed within the prescribed period, the municipality may arrange compulsory removal and charge operators transport and storage costs. That enforcement provision forms part of implementing the public-interest termination of the cooperation agreement dating from 2023.