Bergen has introduced around 150 new no-ride zones for rental e-scooters at schools, kindergartens and playgrounds. The zones mean that operators’ scooters cannot be ridden into areas where children play, spend time and travel every day. The city says the aim is to strengthen safety for children and young people.
What changes
The new zones were set up before the start of the school year at all municipal schools and kindergartens within the rental companies’ service areas. A large majority of the city council approved the measure in June. Some areas that currently serve as important links for pedestrians and cyclists are exempt, in line with the council’s decision. “E-scooters have a place in our city, but this is a sensible tightening,” said Eivind Nævdal-Bolstad, city commissioner for urban development.
How the zones work
When a rider enters a no-ride zone, the scooter’s motor is gradually switched off. The rule applies only to rental e-scooters; privately owned scooters cannot be regulated digitally in this way.
What happens next
The city’s urban environment agency, Bymiljøetaten, is working on further zones at municipal playgrounds that are not linked to kindergartens. The plan is to introduce the riding ban there as well during August.
Background
Since 2022, all e-scooter operators in Bergen have been subject to municipal requirements through a local regulation and a permit scheme. The city has also set up no-ride zones and reduced-speed zones in areas with many pedestrians. From 18 May, a digital no-ride zone for rental e-scooters applies on Festplassen and Torgallmenningen, following a council decision of 29 April 2026, and parking inside these zones is no longer allowed. According to the city commissioner, the city has gained better control over the parking and placement of e-scooters and adjusts the rules when needed.