E-scooters Not for Everyone. Oslo Introduces Draconian Law
Oslo is responding to the increasing number of accidents involving electric scooters. City authorities have announced new regulations aimed at improving safety on streets and sidewalks. The capital has prepared strict restrictions and requirements.
The use of electric scooters in Oslo will be under special supervision.
Fot. stock.adobe.com/licencja standardowa
According to the new regulations, the maximum speed of electric scooters in Oslo will be reduced from 20 km/h to 18 km/h. Their acceleration will also be limited. Every user will be required to complete a digital training course on safe urban mobility.
During the pre-Christmas period, a stricter sobriety test will be introduced, in effect from 9 p.m. throughout the week. City authorities have announced that all changes will be implemented without delay.
During the pre-Christmas period, a stricter sobriety test will be introduced, in effect from 9 p.m. throughout the week. City authorities have announced that all changes will be implemented without delay.
New Rules for Using E-Scooters in Oslo
The companies Voi, Ryde, and Bolt, which offer electric scooters in Oslo, have accepted the new regulations. So-called slow zones will be introduced in central parts of the city, including Aker Brygge, Langkaia, Stortorvet, and the Spikersuppa area. In these locations, vehicles will automatically reduce speed to improve pedestrian safety.
Operators have also announced that users who repeatedly park scooters incorrectly will be blocked — up to 4,000 people may be excluded from the system by the end of the year.
Operators have also announced that users who repeatedly park scooters incorrectly will be blocked — up to 4,000 people may be excluded from the system by the end of the year.
Operators have agreed to the local authorities' proposals.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard license
Authorities Announce Monitoring of the Effects of Changes
Marit Vea (V), City Councilor for Transport and Environment, announced strict supervision of the effects of the new regulations. She emphasizes that the aim of the changes is to increase the sense of safety in urban spaces.
Privately owned e-scooters, which remain outside local regulations, are becoming an increasing problem. Vea believes that the state should allow municipalities to determine where such vehicles can be used to limit traffic on sidewalks.
Privately owned e-scooters, which remain outside local regulations, are becoming an increasing problem. Vea believes that the state should allow municipalities to determine where such vehicles can be used to limit traffic on sidewalks.
Electric Scooters Still Popular in Oslo
Despite the growing number of accidents, electric scooters remain one of the most popular means of transport in Oslo. More than 20 million rides are expected to be made using the main operators — Voi, Ryde, and Bolt.
According to data from Statens vegvesen, since 2020, a total of 14 people have died in Norway in accidents involving electric scooters, including two this year. City authorities hope that the new regulations will improve safety without having to limit the number of available vehicles.
According to data from Statens vegvesen, since 2020, a total of 14 people have died in Norway in accidents involving electric scooters, including two this year. City authorities hope that the new regulations will improve safety without having to limit the number of available vehicles.
How do you rate this article?