INTENSE DISCUSSION ABOUT SCOOTERS

 Filenews 5 October 2020 -  by  Petros Theoharidis

Serious reflection and study on the arrangements to be imposed through a bill on electric scooters and skates, asked the Ministry of Transport interested parties who were actively involved in the public consultation on the relevant bill that was completed a few days ago.

In particular, they call for the arrangements for electric scooters and skates not to be the same, since the two instruments differ considerably between them. It is also suggested that instead of electric skates they are treated as through personal mobility which mainly concerns tourists, entertainment, etc. be treated through legislation as the instrument that already has a wider role – the movement of young people in particular for the 'last mile', i.e. from where the bus or car will leave him to where he will go and vice versa.

This is already evolving rapidly abroad, but also in Cyprus, especially in areas with high youth density, such as universities, with many benefits in terms of ease of movement (especially by bus), reducing traffic congestion, etc.

It is recalled that the Minister of Transport at the beginning of the summer took out of the drawer the bill regulating the movement of electric scooters and since yesterday put it to public consultation, in order to get its final configuration and to be forwarded to the Cabinet for approval and to the House for a vote.

According to the provisions of the bill on 'personal mobility devices', which covers at the same time all forms of -mainly electrical - means of transport which are increasingly appearing, such as electric skates, electric scooters, electric bicycles and so on, the minimum equipment of such 'devices', such as lights, brakes, tires, etc., is determined. the licensing procedures of rental companies, as well as provisions for violators.

The basic condition, as for all forms of motor vehicles, will be that any electric scooter, skate board and so on, although no registration is required, will have to have insurance coverage against a third party. Those who ride such electric scooters should also carry a suitable helmet.

The use of a 'personal mobility device' is intended to be permitted only 'on any bike path or in an area which is an extension of a cycle path and which is intended to enable it to be shared by cyclists and pedestrians and which is specially marked. Also, in squares and sidewalks designated by each local authority".

Particular attention, among the views expressed on the final formulation of the bill, attracts those of an Estonian-based technology company that is active through technological applications in the transport of passengers by taxi, food distribution and deals with services for the disposal of electric skates and scooters in over 45 cities around the world through the same digital platform.

In her posts, she explains that in Cyprus, based on the actual data of her activity, 15% of our taxi journeys and 40% of the routes for food delivery in Cyprus are less than 2 km. This demonstrates the absence of last mile services in Cyprus. This percentage increases vertically if we also calculate personal movements, mainly by cars, but also buses. Part of these movements would be served by rented electric skates and scooters.

ELECTRONIC SPEED LIMITATION

The bill provides that personal mobility devices by design will develop a maximum speed of 15 kilometres per hour. International experience shows that the appropriate maximum speed is 25 km. time to facilitate both user and traffic. However, it is possible and can be used so that in squares, tourist spots, etc. through an app that automatically identifies the location, the same device does not deploy more than 15 km. also refers to a recommendation during the public consultation.

Mobility solution and not a problem to limit

Proposed as electric skates and scooters, they are treated not as a problem to be contained, but "as an important key to the sustainable mobility of our urban centres".

They also note that electric scooters and skates are "micro-mobility" instruments but with different characteristics. Another is the "stand-up electric skates" which the user can locate and rent via mobile application and are scattered in a city according to demand and another the three-wheeled skates and scooters which are rented through manned stations to the user and the user must return them to the same place. There are also private electric vehicles such as bicycles/scooters/skates.

For electric skates, which are scattered throughout the city, they are used to move from A to B without having to return them back to their base, they meet the needs of many more people when they need them directly "on demand". This is not promoted through the bill, but is limited. For example, the forced use of helmets does not allow a car driver or bus passenger to park or come down and get an electric skate to go all the way to the city center and return, since it is not always possible to walk around with a helmet in hand.

Also, as noted in the same views, due to the lack of cycle paths, allow the use of skates on the roads – such as bicycles, so as not to limit the use and mobility facilities they offer. Instead, the helmet is offered when the tenant gets the means of personal mobility from a manned spot, to which he will return it – e.g. tourist areas.