After two extensions, the municipal administration has determined to not proceed the shared e-scooter experiment that started in 2020. A metropolis council decision, signed by mobility councillor Andrea Giorgio, states that the service can’t proceed beneath the present circumstances, given the brand new nationwide street code and operational points reported by the police.
The major downside, the town explains, is the impossibility of making certain that customers put on helmets, now necessary no matter age. “This creates a scenario of potential systematic violation of the Highway Code, which is unacceptable for city and street security,” the council doc says.
Road security first
Mayor Sara Funaro stated the administration was prioritising street security and would “use each instrument accessible to ensure it”. Councillor Giorgio added that, though shared mobility stays a key a part of the town’s transport coverage, e-scooters usually induced issues in site visitors and parking, with autos incessantly left on pavements, parked badly or pushed within the improper course.
The service will formally stop on 31 March 2026, giving operators time to shut their programs, finish person contracts and take away the scooters.
Florence plans to broaden bike-sharing
At the identical time, Florence plans to broaden its bike-sharing community, growing the variety of bicycles, particularly pedal-powered ones, and reviewing tariffs to make them extra accessible. The metropolis can also be finding out upgrades to different types of shared mobility, together with automobile and scooter sharing.
The nationwide guidelines for e-scooters have been tightened in 2024, requiring helmets, insurance coverage protection, car identification and proscribing circulation to city areas. Some particulars are nonetheless awaiting ministerial decrees.
Industry criticism
The resolution has drawn criticism from Assosharing, the affiliation representing mobility operators, which described Florence’s transfer as “a singular case in Italy”. It stated the town was “renouncing innovation” and creating “a aggressive void”. The affiliation famous that different cities have sought sensible options, corresponding to distributing helmets, operating security campaigns or providing incentives, somewhat than withdrawing the service altogether.
According to Assosharing, closing the e-scooter system and not using a new tender or various plan dangers making the market “unbalanced and non-transparent”, and will harm Florence’s status as an progressive metropolis.
Despite the controversy, the town’s bike-sharing scheme continues to develop, with over 1.5 million leases in 2024 and an 18% improve in early 2025.
❤️ Support Florence Daily News
If you preferred this text, please take into account supporting Florence Daily News.
We are an impartial information website, free from paywalls and intrusive adverts, dedicated to offering clear and dependable reporting on Florence and Tuscany for everybody.
Your assist — whether or not a one-time reward or a daily contribution — helps us keep impartial and maintain telling the tales that matter.
Donate securely through Stripe beneath.
Make a one-time donation
Make a month-to-month donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an quantity
Or enter a customized quantity
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Related
Discover extra from Florence Daily News
Subscribe to get the newest posts despatched to your e mail.
