Prague to ban all shared e-scooters from January over safety concerns

Shared electric scooters are set to disappear from Prague’s streets starting January 2026, following repeated debates and complaints about unruly driving and parking. The decision affects operators such as Lime and Bolt, which currently offer scooter services across the capital, city councilors confirmed this week.

The move will hit daily commuters, residents, and tourists who rely on shared scooters as a convenient last-mile option, particularly in central Prague. E-bikes, which Lime and Bolt also operate, will be allowed next year (but will face additional restrictions).

The Technical Road Administration (TSK) will have the authority to remove scooters parked illegally from the new year. The regulation was originally planned for Oct. 1, but the council extended the deadline to January to increase pressure on operators not to resume services in the spring.

City officials cited long-standing concerns from residents and districts over scooters left in sidewalks and public spaces, as well as accidents. Councilors say that the ban will follow the winter period, when scooters are removed from the streets regardless.

Prague 1 has already implemented a preliminary ban on electric scooters in specific streets since late August, putting the district ahead of the citywide initiative. Deputy Mayor for Transport Zdeněk Hřib noted that the wider regulation will allow the city to enforce designated parking areas for bicycles and e-bikes while prohibiting scooters.

“Every day we deal with irresponsible parking, threats to pedestrian safety, and illegal sidewalk riding,” Prague 1 Deputy Mayor for Transport Vojtěch Ryvola told the media earlier this year.

The two main companies behind the scooters aren't going down without a fight. They expressed concerns about the impact on residents who rely on scooters. Lucie Krahulcová of Lime told Czech media: "More than half of our riders [in Czechia] are Prague residents, who will now have limited choice when they want to use bikesharing."

Both Lime and Bolt are seeking negotiations with city representatives to establish uniform rules and contracts for public space usage. The firms have indicated they are ready to discuss limits on numbers of scooters, speed zones, and safety measures to potentially resume services under a new framework.

Experts argue the measure aligns with broader European trends where cities are tightening e-scooter regulations to improve pedestrian safety and reduce clutter. Similar policies have been introduced in Berlin, Paris, and Vienna, targeting unsafe riding and street congestion.

The council is expected to finalize the regulation by Oct. 13. Riders should monitor announcements from operators and municipal authorities to understand new rules and available transport options.