Brake on Scooters Left Randomly on the Sidewalks: A New Era Begins in Portimão

While walking on the streets of Portugal, we often come across rented electric scooters and bicycles overturned in the middle of the sidewalks and left haphazardly on corners. Although they make life easier in short distances within the city, they can sometimes turn into a serious ordeal, especially for pedestrians. Wanting to put an end to this chaos, Portimão Municipality has officially initiated a comprehensive regulation process for rental micromobility vehicles.

The proposal submitted by parliament members Carlos Gouveia Martins and Alexandra Evangelista from the PSD/CDS-PP/IL coalition was passed by the parliament with the support of different parties. This decision does not mean that bans will come tomorrow; It opens the door to a formal preparation period in which fair and applicable rules will be determined according to the real needs in the field.

Streets Should Be Safe for Everyone

The aim is not to prevent rental companies, but to protect public space. During the process, the city's streets, parking areas and pedestrian paths will be subject to technical inspection.

Decisions will not only be made at the table; Discussions will be held with all stakeholders in the field, from the municipality's waste management company EMARP to local security forces, rental operators, disabled associations and tradesmen.

A Small Neglect, a Major Obstacle

Councilor Carlos Gouveia Martins summarizes the situation on the ground very clearly: We do not have to choose between innovation and security. A scooter thrown haphazardly on the pavement may seem like only a minor obstacle to a healthy person; However, it can make the street completely impassable for a mother walking with a baby stroller, an elderly neighbor or a visually impaired individual.

When this study, which overlaps with Portimão's 2024-2034 Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, is completed, a clear parking and usage framework will be drawn that will enable both car renters to use it comfortably and pedestrians to walk safely on the sidewalks.

Source: Barlavento (19 August 2026)

Photo: Archive