Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Moedas, has announced his intention to suspend the Portuguese capital's shared e-scooter scheme, describing the current system as a "disgrace" that is "not working." In a video posted on social media on Thursday, Moedas cited dangerous riding, rising accident numbers, and the widespread abandonment of scooters in public spaces as key reasons for the move.
"This is a disgrace and it is going to stop. The system as it stands is not working. Scooters are being ridden the wrong way down streets, people are behaving dangerously, accidents are on the rise, and scooters are being left abandoned in public spaces," Moedas said in the video. He added that the city council has been collecting more than 1,200 scooters per month.
The announcement follows a petition launched in August by the Automobile Club of Portugal (ACP), which sought a local referendum on the future of shared scooters in Lisbon. The petition aimed to let residents decide whether the city council should stop authorising e-scooter-sharing schemes once current licences expire.
In an interview with the Now outlet, Moedas indicated he would present the proposal at a council meeting, expressing hope that the Socialist Party—which has supported a similar suspension in Braga—would back the decision, allowing for an "immediate suspension of shared scooters" in the city.
The issue is set to be discussed at a council meeting on 21 October. Three companies currently operate e-scooter services in Lisbon: Bolt, Lime, and Bird.
Safety and public space concerns
Moedas's move reflects growing concerns across European cities about the impact of dockless e-scooters on urban safety and public space. Lisbon has seen a surge in scooter-related incidents, with riders often ignoring traffic rules and pedestrians complaining about obstructed pavements.
The mayor's stance aligns with a broader trend in Europe, where several cities have tightened regulations or banned e-scooter services altogether. Paris, for example, voted to ban rental e-scooters in 2023, while other capitals have imposed speed limits and designated parking zones.
Lisbon's decision could have significant implications for the e-scooter industry, which has expanded rapidly across the continent. The city is a popular tourist destination, and e-scooters have become a common sight for both residents and visitors. However, the mayor's proposal suggests that the convenience of these services may no longer outweigh their downsides.
Local residents have expressed mixed reactions. Some welcome the crackdown, citing frequent near-misses and the unsightly clutter of abandoned scooters. Others worry about losing a convenient and eco-friendly transport option, especially for short trips.
The council meeting on 21 October will be a key test of political support for the suspension. If approved, Lisbon would join a growing list of European cities taking a harder line on e-scooter sharing.
For now, the future of e-scooters in Lisbon hangs in the balance. The decision will be closely watched by other municipalities grappling with similar challenges, as well as by the companies that have invested heavily in the Portuguese market.
