In response to a recent incident involving a fire caused by an electric scooter battery within the Madrid subway system in mid-October, authorities have enacted a temporary ban on e-scooters. Notably, this regulation extends not only to the Spanish capital but also encompasses the entire Madrid metropolitan area.
The ban, designed to enhance safety and minimize potential risks, will be in effect for a maximum of nine months or until a comprehensive investigation into the incident has been concluded.
This precautionary measure is not isolated to Madrid alone. In Barcelona, a temporary prohibition on e-scooters within public transport systems has been enforced due to safety concerns. Additionally, Seville has implemented restrictions on the use of electric scooters within the subway network during rush hours on weekdays.
These actions come in the wake of earlier bans on e-scooters in cities like Hamburg and London, further highlighting the growing significance of safety considerations in the rapidly evolving landscape of electric micro-mobility. As authorities seek to strike a balance between facilitating sustainable transportation and ensuring public safety, such measures are being implemented to address emerging challenges and concerns related to electric scooters.
