Prague plans to ban e-scooters in city centre

A proposal has been submitted to the Prague 1 City Council to introduce zones prohibiting the use of electric scooters in the city centre due to serious concerns about safety, public order, and excessive strain on public space.

Source: Prague Daily News & Expats.cz

The Prague 1 City Council has adopted a proposal recommending the introduction of a legislative process led by the city, through which access and movement of e-scooters in designated areas would be restricted. The ban would establish special zones where riding and parking e-scooters, whether privately owned or rented, would be prohibited. The zones would be marked with traffic signs, with exceptions only granted through individual authorisations and special cases. The proposal also calls for consistent enforcement by both municipal and state police.

Why is Prague considering banning electric scooters?

Prague 1 has long criticised the unregulated operation of electric scooters in its area. As early as 2023, the Prague 1 municipal council expressed clear opposition to rental e-scooters and urged the city to take appropriate action. The draft ordinance enabling the ban was approved by Prague City Council on April 12, with Traffic Commissioner Vojtƒõch Ryvola to begin formal negotiations with the city on adopting the ordinance.

Ryvola stated: ‚ÄúEvery day in Prague 1 we deal with inconsiderate parking of e-scooters, danger to pedestrians, and illegal riding on pavements. The situation is intolerable‚Äîit‚Äôs time to send a clear signal. We are ready to defend public space and the safety of our residents.‚Äù

Previously, Prague 1 City Council led a successful campaign to ban the use of Segways in the city centre in 2016.

How will the ban on electric scooters work?

Upcoming contracts with the Technical Administration of Roads (TSK) will no longer include scooters. Without legal parking access, operators will be unable to continue services.

The City of Prague is expected to approve the new parking zones by the end of May. Upcoming contracts with the TSK will no longer include scooters but the TSK will still sign agreements with bike and e-bike providers. Without legal parking access, operators will be unable to continue scooter services. Shared scooter companies will then be required to remove their vehicles from city streets.

Enforcement will begin immediately following the May deadline. The TSK will monitor public spaces and remove any unauthorized scooters, issuing fines and requiring payment before any vehicle is returned.

According to Deputy Mayor for Transport Zdenƒõk H≈ôib, the new system is intended to promote responsible micromobility while reducing safety risks and visual clutter in public spaces.