Munich and Nuremberg Implementing Stricter Regulations for E-Scooters

Munich and Nuremberg are set to introduce tighter regulations for e-scooters in response to concerns over uncontrolled parking. In an effort to curb the indiscriminate placement of rental scooters, they will only be permitted to be parked in designated zones within city centers moving forward. Munich's mobility department has announced plans to establish 675 parking spaces across the city by 2026. A department spokesperson stated, "Rental processes can only be concluded within these designated parking areas. Parking outside these zones will not be allowed, and rental charges will continue to accrue." The department aims for a mid-term objective where micromobility vehicles can only be parked in designated areas in densely populated urban zones with narrow sidewalks, typically less than 1.80 meters wide.

Similarly, Nuremberg plans to enact comparable measures. The city intends to sign contracts with five electric scooter rental companies, stipulating that scooters may only be parked in specified areas within the old town and core city zones. Daniel Ulrich, head of planning and construction for Nuremberg, cautioned that parking outside these designated areas would incur significant penalties. The city aims to reduce the current number of approximately 6,000 e-scooters to 4,000 through these parking restrictions.

As of Friday, the Bavarian capital hosted a staggering 18,698 e-scooters, according to data collected by the mobility department since June of the previous year. By 2026, an additional 375 parking spaces are slated to be created annually, with the expectation of significant improvement in parking conditions through digital monitoring.

While both Munich and Nuremberg do not plan to impose outright bans on e-scooters akin to recent developments in Gelsenkirchen, they are closely monitoring the situation, especially in light of accidents involving visually impaired individuals. In an effort to enhance safety measures, plans are underway to revise existing voluntary commitments and explore digital solutions such as warning systems for the visually impaired. The cities are engaging with senior citizens' advisory boards and disability advocacy groups to ensure that these measures effectively address concerns and improve overall urban mobility.

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