Electric scooters have become the target of growing criticism in Portugal, in a country where the car continues to dominate urban space. Several municipalities are terminating shared scooter services in their territories, citing safety concerns as one of the main reasons for this decision.
The companies operating these services face increasingly more regulatory obstacles and opposition from local authorities and residents. The lack of dedicated infrastructure and the behavior of some users have contributed to the negative perception of scooters.
The phenomenon arises at a time when Portugal still prioritizes the automobile as the main means of transportation, making it difficult to integrate more sustainable mobility alternatives. This reality contrasts with decarbonization goals and the promotion of soft mobility.
