EDITORIAL NOTE: Since this story had been published, Bolt wound up the test phase, eyeing to launch the service as soon as the legal framework allows the public use of electric kick scooters.

“We are closely following the discussion around the electric [kick] scooter regulation in Malta and would consider launching the service once the legal status is clear,” the Bolt spokesperson told BM. “We are happy to work with the regulator in determining guidelines that would make sense for the public,” the Bolt spokesperson added.

The use of electric kick scooters in public spaces is illegal in Malta, therefore riding them using their in-built electric engine is not allowed, at least for the time being, Transport Malta told Business Malta in July. However, the transport authority is currently reviewing the related policies regulating this type of vehicle.

EDITORIAL NOTE: The present story has been updated with a clarification in reference to the word “electric kick scooter”. For further information between electric kick scooters and electric bike scooters please see our Style Guide.

The post Bolt Malta launches electric kick scooter test phase first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

“When one notes that more than 90% of products our country imports and exports come by sea, we can understand better the importance of the work of seafarers,” said Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg when visiting the Seafarers Centre in Ta’ Liesse in Valletta on the occasion of signing the MoU.

“The seafarers whose work presents them with such risks and challenges but who nevertheless continue working to sustain our economy and our livelihood, are among the many other workers with different roles who in this case — in the maritime sector — are helping to sustain this industry towards continued efficient functioning and are therefore sustaining several other industries,” minister Borg added.  

“And that is why this agreement is important — today we have an authority that is working hard to continue pushing forward the maritime sector in our country, and that is making a financial contribution with social aims to the same industry and its workers,” continued minister Borg. 

Furthermore, Mr Bugeja said that the agreement will continue to support the relationship of the authority with the centre while fostering the principle of the social contribution that the authority believes in, according to the DOI press statement. 

In addition, chaplain Borg explained how helpful the centre will be for seafarers, giving them shelter to sleep, eat and offering other services. 

The post TM signs MoU to support Valletta Seafarers Centre first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The use of these kick scooters in public spaces is illegal, hence, Transport Malta Enforcement Officers have issued fines with regards to such use. “The fines are set by the ‘subsidiary legislation regulating Electronic Scooters, SL65.26 – Low-powered vehicles and pedal cycles regulations’,” the statement sent by TM adds. Transport Malta, however, states that the authority is “currently reviewing its policies and draft regulations about the use of electronic [kick] scooters,” the statement sent to BM concludes.

As electric [kick] scooters are easily accessible at low prices, people are increasingly in favour of using them to commute, which is convenient given Malta’s small size and heavy congestion on its roads. Still, these electric [kick] scooters can ride up to 25-30 kph, which makes them fall closer to motorised vehicles than children’s toys on the spectrum of vehicles. Hence, riding them in pedestrian areas can be dangerous, while joining traffic on the roads includes liabilities that need due regulation.

EDITORIAL NOTE: The present story has been updated with a clarification in reference to the word “electric kick scooter”. For further information between electric kick scooters and electric bike scooters please see our Style Guide.

The post TM reviews electric kick scooter policies as public use remains illegal first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.