While the rise in accident statistics is undeniable, some industry representatives and mobility experts warn against knee-jerk reactions that could stifle innovation or unfairly penalize users. The shared mobility industry argues that placing strict liability on rental companies for all accidents—regardless of fault—could lead to a flood of fraudulent claims and overwhelm the court system. They maintain that existing rental data already makes it relatively easy to identify riders involved in collisions, suggesting that the focus should remain on individual responsibility rather than corporate liability.
Critics of proposed age restrictions and mandatory training also point out that e-scooters are a vital component of the 'mobility transition,' helping to reduce reliance on cars in crowded cities. Raising the minimum age or creating bureaucratic hurdles like proficiency certificates could discourage people from choosing greener, more efficient transport options. Instead of adding new layers of regulation, these voices argue that cities should prioritize better infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes, which would naturally improve safety for all non-car road users.
There is also a concern that focusing too heavily on e-scooters ignores the broader context of road safety. With e-scooters still representing a small fraction of total traffic accidents, some experts suggest that the current policy debate may be disproportionate. They argue that the focus should be on creating a safer environment for all, rather than targeting a specific, newer form of transport that is still evolving alongside changing urban habits.