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E-scooter ban on buses and trains

More and more German cities are banning passengers from taking e-scooters on buses and trains. This is due to incidents in London, Madrid, and Barcelona involving battery fires. 

The cities and the ÖVP companies are reacting to a report by the STUVA, which explains why it is too dangerous to transport e-scooters on buses and trains. 

 

Is this report correct?

We clearly say: No. Why?
The studies were commissioned by Hamburger Hochbahn AG (HHA), which has Study Group for Tunnels and Traffic Facilities (STUVA) commissioned to fire protection assessment of e-scooters, but not for Pedelecs or electric wheelchairs, which identical Li-ion batteries The STUVA is also responsible for Fire safety of structures such as underground transport systems active, but is not an expert on batteries and, according to his own statements, has not commissioned any other external experts.

Up to that point, 15 cases of battery fires had been reported in Germany. However, not a single incident involved public transport, and 13 cases involved pedelecs. The cases in Barcelona, ​​Madrid, and London, which were crucial to the overall report , were not considered. These e-scooters were not required to undergo the tests necessary and monitored for e-scooter approval in Germany.

There was also no consultation with the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) or the TÜV . The TÜV had stated that there was “no major danger” as long as the e-scooters had a general operating permit (ABE), because with such a permit an e-scooter is allowed to be driven on public roads.

Now the VDV comes into play

Following the HHA's involvement of the Association of German Transport Companies (VSV) , a nationwide recommendation to ban e-scooters from being carried on public transport has been issued. Despite indications of the serious errors and false statements in the study, the VDV is sticking to its recommendation.

Among those leading the protests against this decision is Florian Walberg from Egret , to whom we would like to express our sincere thanks for his commitment.

Even though the ADAC generally supports the ban, its experts agree that an explosive battery fire is "rather unlikely ." So, what's the ADAC's take on it?

Important combination of transport for commuters

From the very beginning, Moovi has focused on micromovement and the combination of different modes of transport. Therefore, the lightness and compactness of Moovi e-scooters have always been a key component of the company's strategy. Commuters who want to forgo using a car can particularly benefit. After all, who has a bus stop right outside their front door or workplace?

E-scooters are ideal for covering the distances between home and bus/train and between bus/train and workplace, and they don't take up as much space on public transport as bulky bicycles, which are only allowed in some municipalities and cities after a certain time following the morning rush hour.

Survey on Facebook

A survey we conducted in a very large and active Facebook group clearly showed how important taking e-scooters on buses and trains is to e-scooter riders. A total of 72% rated it as "extremely important" to "practical," while only 20% considered it "unimportant."

Facebook survey

Conclusion

We believe that this report and the resulting recommendations and bans must be rescinded as quickly as possible. It is a slap in the face for the mobility transition. 

But what can be done? First, everyone who wants to support repeal should sign the petition below. We're sure there will be protests this spring.
Follow the usual channels on social media or our accounts on:
Facebook, Instagram or TikTokThere will surely be reports on upcoming protests. Protests are very popular at the moment and have already had quite an impact!

Further links and information on the topic

Here is the press release from the VDV dated February 29, 2024.

Also the Mirror has recently taken up the topic. However, it sticks to providing information and doesn't really take a position, as one might expect from Der Spiegel.

Petition

Here is an important petition that needs the support of everyone who wants/needs to continue taking their e-scooter on buses and trains and doesn't want to have their lives made unnecessarily difficult by incompetent decision-makers.

6 comments

  1. I'm practically dependent on combining my commutes with the train and e-scooter. A ban, which I also consider completely wrong, would be a minor catastrophe for me. It would also cause great damage to the entire climate movement and environmental awareness. I would have to buy a car again. Of course, I signed the petition.

  2. I can't believe it: 'The ADAC fundamentally supports the ban on e-scooters.' And about 10 people die in traffic every day! Shouldn't we 'fundamentally' consider banning cars and trucks?

  3. When will the first demonstrations take place? Perhaps with 100 e-scooters through the city centers? That's just how effective it is.

  4. In the interests of e-mobility and environmental protection, users of e-scooters should be allowed to use public transport.

  5. The VDV is slowly backtracking, not enough yet, but they seem to have realized they've gone too far and are facing increasing opposition! Especially from the TÜV, whose arguments they can't simply ignore. The suggestion at the end of the article is interesting... I'll tackle that soon...
    Here is the link to the VDV press release:
    240430-pm-fire-risk-with-e-scooter-batteries-tuev-and-report.pdf

  6. They were simply looking for a reason to throw the scooters off buses and trains. There's nothing more to it than that, and it's a huge mess. In the months before the ban, I only saw one other commuter on a scooter on the train besides me, but there were a lot of them, so a lack of space can't be the reason.
    I'm completely dependent on commuting by scooter, and now I'm having huge problems. I don't understand the VB. Why didn't they simply introduce a paid-for ride? That way, only those who really need the scooter to commute would ride?! I doubt that will ever change. I've been thrown off the bus with my scooter several times before, arbitrarily because there wasn't enough room for three strollers, even though only one was allowed on the bus.
    But since no baby has caught fire on the other side of the world yet, are they still allowed to ride along and block the buses? Sounds stupid, yes...but that's apparently the VDV's way of thinking.
    I'm so angry. If someone ever becomes my customer at the public utility company, I'll have to put them off on the spot because my cordless screwdriver might explode, and I'll enjoy the stupid look on my face when the appliances in my house stay broken. On top of that, I'll have to charge higher travel costs because I now have to commute inconveniently.

    I've now bought a Moovi with a bag, continue to take the bus/train, and politely give the middle finger if someone tries to look in my bag. So, just like that!

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