Munich – Since their boom, e-scooters have regularly caused discussions. Some people find them practical, others find them annoying – especially when they are scattered all over the sidewalks. Now, however, it is safety concerns in particular that are determining the discourse around electrified scooters – and have led to a ban on the MVG.
E-scooters banned in Munich: Where the new rule applies everywhere
Since April 2nd, there has been a ban on taking e-scooters in Munich Transport Company (MVG) vehicles. The ban applies in subways, trams and buses as well as subway stations. The new regulation is based on a recommendation from the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV). The letter states the reason for the ban recommendation: “The reason for this is the low safety standard of the installed lithium-ion batteries and the associated increased risk of fire and explosion as well as the release of smoke gas, which is harmful to health.” In other European cities, for example London, Barcelona and Madrid, there have already been dangerous fires and explosions caused by e-scooters.
Exceptions for wheelchairs and e-bikes
Excluded from the ban are electric wheelchairs, e-bikes or pedelecs and four-wheeled electric vehicles, some of which are also referred to as e-scooters. According to MVG, there are appropriate safety standards for these vehicles. As long as the standards are met, they are exempt from the ban.
The ban doesn’t just apply in Munich
Munich is not the only city in Germany to introduce such a ban. For example, in North Rhine-Westphalia there has been a ban on transport in all municipal transport companies in the five largest cities in the state since March 1st. Such a ban has been in place in Hamburg since summer 2023.