Lisbon residents with a Navegante public transport pass will soon have free access to shared scooters, a move set to take effect in September. This initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate soft mobility options into the city's public transport system.
New Rules for Scooter Use
An amendment to the contract between the Lisbon City Council (CML) and the five shared scooter operators, signed earlier this week, introduces new regulations for scooter circulation. Similar to the existing free access to Gira bikes and certain parking areas, this measure aims to encourage residents to opt for alternatives to car use.
Implementation Timeline
While the free access is a significant step forward, it won't be immediate. Operators estimate needing up to two months to integrate their systems with those of the Lisbon Metropolitan Transport, which manages the Navegante pass. This technical adjustment means the benefit will likely be available starting September.
Expanded No-Ride Zones
The amendment also expands areas where scooters are prohibited, including BUS lanes, gardens, pedestrian-only zones, and central roadways like Avenida da Liberdade. These restrictions will be enforced digitally through geofencing, disabling scooters in designated no-ride zones.
A Push Towards Sustainable Mobility
Filipe Anacoreta Correia, the deputy mayor responsible for Mobility, highlighted that these changes improve public space and make the Navegante pass a fully satisfactory mobility alternative. The city's efforts to regulate scooter use since 2023 have included mandatory parking hotspots, a speed limit of 20 km/h, and a 73% reduction in available vehicles.
Current Scooter Landscape
Lisbon currently has around 6,000 authorized scooters in operation. The city and operators have agreed on a maximum of 1,500 scooters per operator in winter, potentially increasing to 1,750 in spring and summer to manage demand.
This move is part of Lisbon's ongoing strategy to reduce urban traffic chaos and promote sustainable transport options, awaiting further municipal regulations on scooter use.
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