What Happened to the Global E-Scooter Boom?

Have e-scooters managed to revolutionize mobility in cities as anticipated?

• The pandemic temporarily halted the e-scooter revolution in more than 100 cities worldwide, as lockdowns and work from home dramatically reduced the need for transportation.
• Companies specializing in short-term e-scooter rentals have reported rising number of riders again, as urban commuters return to city centres and are keen to avoid public transport.
• City administrations in countries, including Germany, have pushed through tighter regulations over safety concerns as well as the habit of some riders to discard scooters in undesirable places.
• Although governments are hoping that the vehicles will propel a more environmentally-friendly way to travel, the journey there appears to be bumpier than initially assumed.
• In various places such as the UK, the use of e-scooters outside of government-backed trials is still illegal, and riders need to undergo training, and or have special permission on their license.
• There are concerns that e-scooters are being used by criminal gangs. There are also fears voiced by disability campaigners over accidents caused by irresponsible driving on pavements.