While scooters are promoted as an environmentally friendly means of transport, the social debate is far more concerned with the potential for accidents and with enforcement of regulations. On the streets of Palma, one resident, Sergio Llofriu, believes that the law has not kept up with the technology. "I have the feeling that administrations like Palma town hall have been unable to manage and integrate scooters properly." As an example, he wonders why there are no pedestrian crossings on bike lanes; crossings that would stop both scooters and bikes.
Xisca Palmer says that there are times when "you have to get out of their way". She wants better control of scooters and not just on the streets. "Many users take them on buses, and they can occupy two or three seats." She also feels that regulations don't reflect the realities of how it is on the streets.
One scooter user, David Abellán, doesn't disagree. "There are many who break the rules. No matter how much it's said that they can't do more than 30km/h, they go over the limit because they don't believe they'll be fined." He himself admits to having had "the odd scare", but fortunately nothing serious.
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When you encounter (as I did last week) an unlit scooter, at night, exceeding the 30km/h speed limit on MY side of the road (pedestrians are advised to face oncoming traffic, so presumably scooters are now pedestrians too?) it's time for some regulation. No helmet, protective or hi-vis clothing either.
I'd say to keep cars out of the city, charge non City residents for entering the city and open up the streets for these wonderful machines. They are by far the most efficient means of getting around the city. No pollution and they take up minimal space. Pedestrians need to take more care and watch where they are going. Maybe put down the phone and look out.
In order of priority, I would propose the following changes: 1. I have driven alongside scooters doing close to 50km/h - at this speed they are a lethal missile for riders and pedestrians. Big fines should be imposed for such speeding. The scooters must all be capped at 30km/h. The authorities need to test the scooters to check that the speed limiter hasn't been removed. Maybe an ITV style test annually?? Plus speed traps just like we expect the Police to do for cars. 2. Riders should be required to have meaningful insurance to protect pedestrians in case of an accident - just like any other motorised vehicle. 3. Mandatory helmets for riders. Plus, enforcement of the current rules regarding high visibility clothing - seems to me that the majority of riders have the minimal possible hi visibility....often just dangling from the steerer! I think there are rules for lights at front and rear to make them more visible, but many scooters don't have them! 4. Improve the bike lanes to make them better fir a mix of bikes and scooters - too often they are far too narrow and the surface is ridiculously poor making them a death trap for scooters with their tiny wheels. Bike lanes need to be more effectively segregated from the pedestrians. 5. There should be a minimum age for riding an electric scooter. I see too many kids blasting around at max speed. 6. Enforce the existing rules about passengers - shocking how many people tide "two-up"
Adam OstenfeldThey’ve been banned in Paris, so just goes to show, the French can get something right. To use in the U.K. they have to be rented so they are insured and documented. But illegal use is rife. Either way everything Stan says is true and accurate. There’s danger to the user and the general public with these devices. As for legislation, when does it ever keep up with technology change,?…never.
Spot on Stan , Mallorca is not set up for this type of transport people are getting Hurt some seriously we have all seen them traveling at speeds well above the 25 K limit , there is no control whatsoever of any kind with regard to these objects , something has to happen to restrict there use and limit there effect on the community !
These Scooters are very dangerous vehicles. THEY HAVE NO INSURANCE. THE RIDERS HAVE NO LICENCE OR ROAD USE TEST. THEY HAVE NO PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. NO CRASH HELMET. THEY ARE RIDDEN AT HIGH SPEEDS MISSING PEOPLE BY INCHES. THEIR FRIGHTENING USE IS CAUSING GREAT DISTRESS. IF THEY CRASH INTO A PERSON AND SERIOUSLY INJURE THEM. THERE IS NO CLAIM FOR RUINING THEIR LIVES. BAN THEIR USE NOW.