Lisbon's Street Wars: Strong Reaction from Scooter Operators to Referendum Move

It is impossible not to get disoriented while walking the streets of Lisbon; You have to constantly look left and right to avoid hitting electric scooters that are either parked in a corner or whizzing by. The chaos created by these vehicles in the city has already been talked about for a long time, but the discussion has now moved to a completely different dimension.

The Automobile Club of Portugal (ACP) has launched a referendum process to ask the public whether shared scooters will remain in the capital. But the big players on the field did not remain silent about this move.

"You Can't Solve a Real Problem with the Wrong Solution"

Industry giants such as Bolt, Lime and Bird took the microphone and reacted immediately. The common defense of these companies is very clear: The referendum and a possible ban are nothing more than addressing a real problem with the wrong move.

Operators say that these shared vehicles we see on the streets are actually the city's most regulated fleet. While speed limits, geofencing systems, compulsory parking and company permits are already in place, banning them completely will not solve the problem. Rather, it will leave personal scooters alone on the field, subject to no rules or supervision.

What Do the Numbers Say?

When it comes to the security issue at the center of the debate, companies cling to official police data. Incoming figures show that the share of bicycles and electric scooters in total accidents is quite low and includes incidents without loss of life. Of course, this data includes proprietary data, but companies don't think it's fair to make shared systems the main scapegoat.

The ACP side, on the other hand, insists that the public should make their voices heard due to the problems experienced, from the occupation of sidewalks to pedestrian safety.

Is the Solution to Ban or to Regulate?

The operators' suggestion is to cooperate instead of ban. Stricter inspections, increased parking infrastructure, automatic speed reduction zones and a ceiling on the number of vehicles on the street in coordination with the Lisbon Municipality are presented as the most logical way out.

Let's see what the future of Lisbon's streets will be? It is certain that this conflict will lead to more trouble.

Source: ECO News (Tiago Alexandre Pereira)