In an effort to address the problems caused by rental scooters, the city of Vienna has announced a reorganization of the electric rental scooter system. Starting from May 1st, only four companies will be allowed to provide their devices, and the number of scooters will be limited. The move is aimed at reducing the negative impact of rental scooters on the city, such as abandoned and overturned scooters on sidewalks and those that are too fast on the streets.
The new system will also introduce new parking spaces to eliminate tripping hazards. The decision to limit the number of providers and scooters aims to reduce the negative impact of rental scooters on the city, which has been a concern since their introduction less than five years ago.
However, the surprising news is that Tier, the provider of Vienna’s rental bike fleet, has been overlooked for the contract to offer electric rental scooters. The decision to award contracts to only four companies means Tier has missed out on the opportunity to expand its services in the city. The selected companies have not been announced yet.
Electric rental scooters have been popular in Vienna, but they have caused problems in the city, leading to calls for regulation. The reorganization of the system aims to address these problems and make rental scooters a more sustainable and safe mode of transportation.
The city of Vienna has been working on the new system for some time, and it is hoped that the changes will lead to a more orderly and efficient use of rental scooters. The new parking spaces will provide designated areas for rental scooters, reducing the likelihood of accidents and making them easier to locate.
The decision to limit the number of providers and scooters is also seen as a way to reduce competition and make the rental scooter market more sustainable. By limiting the number of providers, the city can ensure that each provider has a sufficient number of scooters, making them more profitable and reducing the likelihood of abandoned or poorly maintained scooters.
The reorganization of the electric rental scooter system is a significant step towards making rental scooters a more sustainable and safe mode of transportation in Vienna. While the decision to overlook Tier for the contract to offer electric rental scooters may come as a surprise, the move is seen as a way to reduce competition and ensure the long-term viability of the rental scooter market in the city.