Patagonia no longer wants to make Wall Street uniforms
Last year, outdoor clothing manufacturer Patagonia changed its mission statement and the current motto is: "We are in business to save our home planet." The company has changed its policies for corporate customers and to build a good image.
Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer announced on Wednesday that the cabinet had approved the road approval of e-scooters in Germany: “We want new, modern approaches to environmentally friendly and clean mobility in our cities. Electric scooters have enormous potential! The path is clear for a mobile future and at the same time for safety on our roads,” he added.
Such vehicles had previously been illegal in Germany because current traffic laws did not apply to them. With the approval of the cabinet, the final decision on whether to allow their use now lies with the German Federal Council. The government says it could decide on the new regulations as early as May 17th.
What does the e-scooter approval provide for in 2019?
Former US President Barack Obama is expected in Cologne today
The former President of the United States, Barack Obama (57), speaks to the audience at the "World Leadership Summit" in Cologne this evening. Between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. he will lead a moderated conversation in Cologne's Lanxess Arena. 15,000 listeners await him.
The new Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance (eKFV) would make it possible to drive e-scooters at a maximum speed of 12 km/h on sidewalks, cycle paths and in pedestrian zones. Such electric scooters may be ridden by people aged 12 and over.
E-scooters with a maximum speed of 20 km/h are restricted to certain cycle paths. The minimum age for such vehicles would be 14 years.
Proponents argue that they give citizensOffer flexible mobility solutionsand will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.
Critics warn of countless problems
Despite the enthusiasm, electric scooters also have many critics, as experience in many US cities has shown that they cause many problems. The opposition describes the vehicles as a plague that will only worsen traffic congestion and endanger pedestrians.
Another big problem is the fact that there are no docking stations. As a result, drivers tend to simply leave them on the sidewalk or in front of house entrances.
Vandalism and theft are also an issue. The latter is reinforced by the tendency for many electric scooters in the United States to be thrown into lakes and other waterways, causing environmental problems.
Another problem is the already inadequate infrastructure in Germany, where bicycles, cars and pedestrians are forced to share narrow paths.
Siegfried Brockmann, head of accident research for insurers in the General Association of the German Insurance Industry, criticized the cabinet's decision on Wednesday and therefore urged the Federal Council to reject Transport Minister Scheuer's plan.
