The city of Prague has decided to ban shared/rental e-scooters on its territory from January 2026. From that date, shared e-scooter providers will not be allowed to operate unless they have specific contracts. Prague isn’t banning the concept of shared e-scooters entirely; it’s banning unregulated operations.

These contracts will specify where vehicles can be parked, data-sharing requirements, and usage zones. The ban does not affect private e-scooters — only those provided by rental companies. 

Today, shared e-scooters – especially provided by Lime and Bolt – are particularly popular in the Czech capital. Tourists use them in large numbers to explore the city. From January 2026, they will have to rely on walking, shared bicycles, and public transportation.

Local referendum

The ban comes after years of complaints from residents about poorly parked vehicles, scooters blocking sidewalks, unsafe riding in pedestrian areas, and a growing number of accidents, including fatal ones. A known problem, also elsewhere. In a local referendum, 82% of the city’s inhabitants spoke out in favor of such a ban.

Accident statistics show a high number of scooter-related injuries compared to shared bikes. In one recent year, Prague recorded 47 accidents involving shared e-scooters and only two accidents involving shared bikes.

Designated zones

Shared e-bikes and bicycles, however, will remain available and are being promoted as alternatives. The city will designate specific sidewalk zones and street areas for parking bikes, making their use more orderly. 

The ban is part of a broader European trend toward regulating micromobility and reducing urban congestion.