Electric scooters are here to stay – The Northern Times

For those who are used to taking an electric scooter, or e-scooter, around the city, you are in luck. The municipality of Groningen announced that they will extend Felyx’s and Check’s permits for another two years, with even further plans for expansion. However, new parking rules are also being introduced.

The plans for the expansion of the service include adding up to 300 more e-scooters around the city. The municipality will evaluate the situation in early 2024 and could expand its arsenal of e-scooters to around 600 in total, according to Sikkom.com.

There are even discussions taking place that would expand the e-scooters into Vinkhuizen, Beijum, and Leweborg, allowing residents of the Groningen province to use them as well.

Municipality to tighten parking laws

Although e-scooters have been popular since their introduction to Groningen, it has raised the issue of the free-floating parking system. This allowed any user to essentially leave their Felyx or Check scooter wherever they wanted, sometimes being an obstruction or nuisance for people on their bikes or on foot.

The municipality has tightened its rules regarding lax parking. You may now only park scooters in special designated areas. If the area is full, you will have to go to the next area to park the scooter.

They are currently also working on ‘parking hubs’ in places likely to be filled with e-scooters to ensure they are not in the way of people in busy areas. Failure to comply with the new rules will lead to negative points on your license or a fine via the e-scooter’s apps. 

Those who wish to continue using e-scooters must take a photo of the vehicle in the designated parking area to avoid consequences.