Road Congestion - E-scooters currently still allowed on public transportation in Hesse.
The Hessian public transport system still allows electronic scooters, despite an earlier proposal suggesting otherwise. The German Transport Companies Association had previously proposed a total ban on transporting electric vehicles on public transit.
The Transport Minister of Hessen, Kaweh Mansoori (SPD), responded to a question from the Greens, revealing that the decision has not yet been implemented in this state. The three transport associations in Hessen were asked for their views.
The Rhein-Main Transport Association said they will be keeping an eye on talks regarding electric scooters after discovering the possibility of explosions in battery systems.
The Nordhessian Transport Association does not think a ban is necessary because, according to risk assessment, there are no long tunnels in their service area, and the electric scooters can be evacuated when needed. So far, no fires have been reported in public transportation.
At the Rhein-Neckar Transport Association, a ban on transporting electric microcars has not even been considered yet. They believe it's best to wait for a nationwide development in the future.
The Association called for this recommendation in late February, citing low safety standards in installed batteries. Already, there have been fires in Spain and the UK related to these batteries.
According to the Transport Ministers' Conference response in April, scooters with electric motors could play a significant role in the mobility transition. However, it is anticipated that the transport companies and the technical supervisory authorities of the regional states will expeditiously perform a new risk assessment once the standardization process for E-scooter batteries is complete. The state government believes that these scooters can make a practical addition, for instance, as feeder services to local stops.
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In Wiesbaden, the local traffic situation remains unaffected by the ban on transporting electric scooters on public transportation, as per the Hessian public transport system's current policy. This policy stands in contrast to the German Transport Companies Association's earlier proposal for a total ban on electric vehicles.
Despite the Associations of German Transport Companies' concerns about safety issues with electric scooter batteries, the Nordhessian Transport Association does not support a ban in their service area, as no fires have been reported so far.
Located in Rhine-Main, the Rhein-Main Transport Association is keeping a close eye on developments related to electric scooters, considering the potential risk of battery explosions.
The state government of Hesse believes that electric scooters could contribute to the mobility transition, particularly as feeder services to local stops in cities like Wiesbaden, situated along the Rhine.
Takeaway options for meals in Wiesbaden and other cities in Hesse have not been affected by the policy regarding electric scooters on public transportation.
The Rhine-Neckar Transport Association, also based in Rhine-Main, has yet to consider a ban on transporting electric microcars, preferring to wait for a nationwide development in this area.
