The Governing Board of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council is set to approve regulations today regarding the authorization of electric scooter rental companies operating within the city. These rules specify that only two companies will be authorized, with a maximum of 1,292 scooters allowed in the city. The regulations outline the utilization of public land for scooter parking and establish conditions for companies to operate during the one-year authorization period, extendable up to four years. The goal is to ensure the provision of a quality service to users while avoiding overexploitation or improper use of public space.
To ensure equitable distribution, each district will have a designated number of parking spaces and scooters based on its population. For instance, Anaga will have nine parking spaces for a maximum of 48 scooters, while Centro-Ifara will have 63 parking spaces and 448 scooters. Additionally, Ofra-Costa Sur will have 43 parking spaces and 172 personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), Salud-La Salle will have 67 parking spaces and 392 scooters, and the Southwest will have 58 parking spaces and 232 PMVs.
The regulations stipulate that the maximum number of authorized companies will be two, each required to pay a fee of €20,000 according to the tax ordinance governing the private or special use of municipal public property. Moreover, a guarantee deposit of €50 per scooter will be mandated for the companies.
The rules also impose an obligation on authorized companies to have insurance coverage for any damages that may occur due to their scooter services, including harm to users, other road users, and public or private property. The insurance policy must provide a minimum coverage of €300,000.
The concession includes obligations for companies utilizing public space, including compliance with safety conditions set by the City Council. This may involve limitations on the number of vehicles or elements in use within municipal public space to ensure public safety, road safety, pedestrian traffic protection, and preservation of public space and municipal heritage. Temporary restrictions on the number of scooters in circulation may be implemented.
REMOVAL OF SCOOTERS IN SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE
Failure to remove vehicles parked incorrectly within 24 hours will result in the immediate revocation of authorization. If vehicles are not removed within the specified timeframe, the City Council may take necessary action, with costs borne by the authorized company, including removal expenses and compensation for damages caused.
Once the terms and conditions are published, authorized companies will have 20 days to submit their proposals. Consideration will be given to technological solutions that encourage proper parking and minimize riding on pavements or in prohibited areas. Companies will also be evaluated based on their action plans for informing users about regulations and safe scooter usage, as well as their commitment to offer discounted rates to residents and frequent users.
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez emphasizes the importance of regulating these vehicles as they become more prominent in many European capitals. He believes that with proper regulation and the creation of dedicated lanes, these scooters can gradually replace traffic while prioritizing pedestrian safety. Councilor Evelyn Alonso notes that this concession aligns with previous efforts to reorganize geolocated car parks and emphasizes the need for compliance with operating guidelines to ensure safety.
