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E-scooter chaos in Berlin: Police register twice as many violations!
Berlin is struggling with increasing e-scooter violations. Associations are calling for legal measures against parking on sidewalks.
E-scooter chaos in Berlin: Police register twice as many violations!
The increase in e-scooters in Berlin is causing more and more conflicts between users and other road users. The latest figures show that the number of e-scooters parked incorrectly has increased massively in the past year. According to a police survey, a total of 19,339 violations were recorded from January 1 to July 31, 2023, which corresponds to over 2,750 violations per month. Compared to the previous year, the number of violations almost doubled, when 10,943 violations were detected.
The violations recorded by the police primarily relate to parking e-scooters on sidewalks, bicycle lanes and roadways. A distinction is made here between obstruction and endangerment of other road users. While the number of violations fell to 1,906 despite a decrease from September to December 2023, the concerns of pedestrian and visually impaired associations remain unaddressed. These associations have already filed a lawsuit against the state of Berlin to point out the grievances.
Lawsuit against e-scooter chaos
The lawsuit by the General Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired Berlin (ABSV) is directed against the special use permits issued by the State of Berlin, which are considered unlawful. The ABSV calls for the parking of e-scooters on sidewalks to be banned and for fixed parking spaces to be required. Chairman Dietmar Polok emphasizes that incorrectly parked e-scooters not only pose a risk of accidents, but also significantly impair accessibility.
Especially in view of the current legal framework, the discussion about e-scooters in Berlin is of great importance. A survey found that almost half of e-scooter accident victims are under 25 years old. This not only shows the need for clear regulations, but also the urgency of improving road safety. In this context, experts also warn of increasing accident numbers and urgently call for changes to the small electric vehicle regulations.
E-scooter rules and safety concerns
In Germany, e-scooters are subject to compulsory insurance and must have an operating license. The Small Electric Vehicle Ordinance currently stipulates that e-scooters are only allowed to drive where cycling is permitted. In pedestrian zones and on sidewalks, driving is only permitted at walking speed and with additional signs. In addition, e-scooter drivers must ensure that they do not leave their devices without parking spaces in the city center, but this is becoming an increasing challenge for the Senate. ADAC reports that numerous e-scooters are parked in a way that is obstructive and dangerous.
The ABSV filed a lawsuit in September 2022, but the legal disputes drag on and the situation remains tense. Despite the existence of 257 Jelbi stations for e-scooters, as found in a study, parking on sidewalks remains a challenge. In the current discussion about road safety, there is criticism of the planned new regulations, which are seen as too lenient towards providers.
How the legal situation will develop and whether fixed parking spaces will actually be required remains to be seen. While the legal side and the associations are pushing for changes, it is clear that the users of e-scooters must use these means of transport responsibly in order to defuse future conflicts.