• News
  • Berlin’s e-scooter rentals skyrocket amid controversy

Wednesday 26, July

Berlin’s e-scooter rentals skyrocket amid controversy

Ever controversial, Berlin's e-scooters are back in the limelight as rentals double in the past two years.

Photo: IMAGO / Sabine Gudath

Berlin’s e-scooter rentals skyrocket amid controversy

Wednesday 26, July

Love them or hate them, e-scooters have been taking over the streets of Berlin, with rentals doubling in the past two years, according to Senate data.

Unlike Paris, which banned rental e-scooters back in April, a similar ban is not on the cards for Germany. With e-scooters gaining popularity globally, many say it makes sense for Berlin to increase their numbers. However, in the first half of 2021, Berlin police recorded three times as many accidents involving e-scooters as in the first six months of 2020. Martin Becker, Head of Public Policy and Communications for Voi, a popular ‘micro-mobility provider’, believes the criticism is unjust and is calling for a reevaluation of traditional assessments.

Many say it makes sense for Berlin to increase their numbers.

There’s no denying the numbers though. As of May 1, official permits have been granted for 47,550 e-scooters, compared to 23,000 in June 2021. And Voi, which is one of the four rental companies allowed on public roads, is witnessing an increasing demand for flexible mobility in Berlin.

In June Voi had around 79,000 users, a 12% jump from the previous year. “If you look at the demand alone, it would by no means be unreasonable to further increase the number of e-scooters in Berlin” says Becker.