Electric scooters have become, after 2020, a common presence on the streets of Bucharest. For many residents of the Capital, they represent a fast and flexible alternative to public transport or private cars. Especially after the pandemic, urban mobility changed, and lightweight electric vehicles were seen as a modern solution for short trips.

The emergence of electric scooters and the transformation of urban mobility

The expansion of electric scooters, however, was much faster than the city’s adaptation to this form of transport. Limited infrastructure, incomplete legislation, and the lack of clear rules have created conflicts between pedestrians, drivers, and users. Local authorities have been discussing for years the introduction of regulations inspired by other European capitals, precisely to limit the problems that have arisen.

In Bucharest, electric scooters are seen simultaneously as a symbol of modernization and as a source of urban chaos. For some, they mean fast and cheap mobility. For others, they represent a constant danger on sidewalks and in traffic.

Why electric scooters work

The success of electric scooters in Bucharest has simple explanations. The city is congested, and short trips are often difficult by car or public transport. The scooter allows traveling a few kilometers in a reduced time, without the problems related to parking.

Low costs are another important advantage. Compared to taxis or ridesharing services, scooters are cheaper and can be used spontaneously. In addition, rental systems allow quick access without initial investment.

Electric scooters also have a relative ecological advantage. They emit fewer pollutants than cars and can help reduce traffic in certain areas. Studies show that electric micromobility can complement public transport and reduce dependence on cars if it is well organized.

In some European cities, scooters are integrated into urban transport systems. Users use them to travel between metro or bus stations and their homes, reducing total travel time. Even critics of scooters recognize that they can have a useful role, especially in congested cities. The problem appears when their development is not accompanied by rules and infrastructure.

Why the system doesn’t work in Bucharest

In Bucharest, electric scooters generate numerous problems. The most visible is the lack of dedicated infrastructure. The city has few bicycle lanes, and users ride either on sidewalks or among cars. This situation increases the risk of accidents. Bucharest is the county with the most serious incidents involving electric scooters in Romania, with dozens of cases annually.

In the first six months of 2025 alone, approximately 140 scooter accidents were reported in the Capital, including incidents with casualties. At the national level, the number of accidents is steadily increasing. Between 2022 and 2025, over 4,200 traffic accidents involving electric scooters with victims were recorded. The most common causes are excessive speed, lack of protective equipment, and failure to comply with traffic rules. 

Another reason the system is not effective is the lack of clear regulations. The expansion of light electric vehicles has outpaced legislation, and authorities face difficulties in establishing responsibilities. In addition, many scooters are abandoned on sidewalks or green spaces, blocking pedestrian movement. This is one of the reasons authorities are discussing the introduction of stricter rules. 

Where scooters get in the way the most

The conflicts generated by scooters are especially visible in central areas of Bucharest. Where sidewalks are narrow, pedestrians are forced to share space with scooter users.

Elderly people and families with children are among the most affected. Scooter speed can become dangerous in crowded areas, and many users do not follow basic traffic rules. Problems also appear in traffic. Drivers find scooters unpredictable, while users complain about lacking safe space for travel. The absence of dedicated lanes turns every road into a compromise.

Another controversial aspect is the use of scooters by minors. In many cases, they lack the necessary experience to travel safely. Besides safety issues, scooters also create aesthetic and logistical difficulties. In many areas, they are left randomly, contributing to urban disorder.

What solutions European cities have found

The problems with scooters are not specific to Bucharest. Many European cities have faced similar situations and adopted different solutions. Some capitals chose strict regulation. In Finland, for example, the use of scooters is prohibited for children under 15, and rental companies must obtain special licenses. 

At the same time, speed is limited to 25 km/h, and users must follow rules similar to those for drivers. Other cities went even further. Paris and Madrid decided to ban shared electric scooters after numerous controversies regarding safety and congestion. 

There are also positive examples. Cities that invested in bicycle lanes managed to reduce the number of accidents. Studies show that the introduction of scooters increases accident risk especially in cities with weak infrastructure. This conclusion is relevant for Bucharest, where infrastructure for alternative mobility remains limited.

How the conflict in Bucharest could be resolved

Experts believe that banning scooters is not a realistic solution. They have already become part of urban mobility and are used daily by thousands of people.

A possible solution would be clearer regulation of their use. Authorities are discussing the introduction of separate rules for personal scooters and rental scooters. Another important step would be developing infrastructure. Bicycle and scooter lanes would reduce conflicts with pedestrians and drivers.

In addition, experts propose introducing supplementary measures, such as mandatory insurance or even a license for users, given the high number of accidents. Traffic education is another essential component. Many users do not know the rules or do not realize the risks.

The future of electric scooters

The electric scooter war in Bucharest reflects a broader change in how people move around the city.

Scooters will not disappear, but the way they are used depends on the authorities’ decisions. European cities show that there are multiple possible models: from strict regulation to partial bans. For Bucharest, the most likely solution is a compromise between user freedom and public safety.

In the coming years, electric scooters will continue to be a constant presence on the streets. It remains to be seen whether they will become an integrated element of urban transport or remain a permanent source of conflicts.

We also recommend: Where You Can Have the Most Delicious Brunch in Bucharest: Locations, Prices, Habits