Bergen’s city government is banning the use and parking of rental e-scooters on Torgallmenningen and Festplassen from 18 May 2026. The ban is enforced through a digital zone that cuts the scooters’ motor power when they enter, so no signs are needed. The measure follows up a city council decision of 29 April 2026 and removes scooter traffic and parking from two central squares.

What changes

The city government announced the ban on 13 May 2026. It applies to e-scooters from rental operators. A digital ban zone will be introduced on both squares from 18 May, and the motor power of the scooters will be cut when riders drive into the zones. Parking will also not be allowed inside the zones.

The measure has two parts:

  • a digital ban zone on Torgallmenningen and Festplassen;
  • removal of the parking areas at the Seamen’s Monument and on Festplassen.

Why the city is doing it

City development commissioner Eivind Nævdal-Bolstad said it should be safe to move around the city centre, and that people young and old should be able to spend time in the city’s main squares without fear of being hit. He added that e-scooters are not the most attractive installations in the city, which is why parking options in these areas are also being removed. He said e-scooters have their place in Bergen, but its finest public spaces are now being spared both traffic and parking.

Timing and alternative parking

In connection with 17 May, the inner city centre will be closed to e-scooters from 23:00 on 16 May until 05:00 on 18 May. Torgallmenningen and Festplassen will not reopen after this closure.

When the current parking spaces disappear, riders will have to use other parking areas. Tord Holgernes, acting director of the city environment agency (Bymiljøetaten), said nearby options include Christian Michelsens gate, Rådhusgaten, the Old Town Hall, and Torggaten near the Blue Stone. The parking area at Lysverket has good capacity and is described as a good alternative to Festplassen. The agency says it will follow developments to see what effect the ban zones have.