BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – According to its own statements, the e-scooter provider Tier is aiming for a so-called hybrid model of stations and free standing e-scooters in Berlin – but from the point of view of Tier boss Lawrence Leuschner, this requires significantly more permanent parking spaces. “We need thousands,” he said on the sidelines of the inauguration of the new company headquarters on Thursday in Berlin. There are currently only around 40 permanent parking stations where scooters can be parked without blocking sidewalks, driveways or entrances. The Senate also wants to create more parking spaces together with the districts.
New rules for e-scooter and other sharing providers in the capital have been in force since the beginning of September. Since then, you have needed a special use permit, which is subject to a fee. In addition, the providers were obliged to ensure the orderly parking of the vehicles, for example via a photo-receipt function in their applications.
Mayor Franziska Giffey (SPD) campaigned on Thursday for the further joint search for solutions between the Senate and the companies. Carelessly parked or thrown down e-scooters are a major annoyance for many citizens. “When I look at why people are upset and complaining to me, that’s really a point,” Giffey said. No other industry has received so many complaints from the Citizen Service.
E-scooters have been permitted on German roads since 2019. The providers advertise them as a sustainable supplement to local public transport and as an alternative to the car. However, studies show that rental vehicles are more likely to replace footpaths than car journeys. Animal boss Leuschner emphasized that he wanted to change supply chains and production methods in a socially and ecologically sustainable way. Currently, what is needed above all is compensation via CO2 certificates. By 2050, this should no longer be necessary.
The industry is in transition. Just a few weeks ago, Tier announced that it would cut 180 jobs. Instead of focusing on growth, the company has to save and henceforth focuses on profitability.
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