Belgrade to Get 2,000 Electric Scooters Amid Criticism of City's Transport Policy

Belgrade is set to deploy 2,000 electric scooters and 600 electric bikes, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from the "Beograd ostaje" (Belgrade Remains) initiative. The group argues the city's transportation policy is fundamentally flawed, prioritizing superficial modernizations over essential infrastructure.

Viktor Gavrilović of "Beograd ostaje" told N1 that electric scooters themselves are not the problem, but rather the severe lack of safe infrastructure. He pointed out that bike lanes often end abruptly and sidewalks are frequently obstructed by kiosks and parked cars, making safe use of scooters impossible. Gavrilović highlighted that several European cities, including Paris, have banned electric scooters, while Madrid and Amsterdam have imposed strict limitations due to safety and infrastructure concerns.

Furthermore, Gavrilović raised concerns about user safety, noting that rental services will not provide mandatory safety equipment like helmets and reflective vests, which are legally required. He contrasted Belgrade's expansion of scooter services with North Macedonia's recent ban on scooters for individuals under 16, suggesting Belgrade's priorities are misplaced.

"We have inverted priorities here," Gavrilović stated. He argued that the city should first develop its trolleybus network as an ecological transport option and strengthen the BG Voz train system. Only after establishing adequate infrastructure, he contends, would introducing electric scooters be beneficial. Gavrilović concluded that the announcement is more of a "marketing project" aimed at projecting a modern image rather than a serious transportation policy.