E-scooter regulations in Norway - A comparative study of e-scooter regulations in Norway, using three Norwegian cities
Abstract
In response to the lack of research done on e-scooter regulations, and the micro-mobility world in general. This thesis explores and attempts to increase our understanding of the regulations of shared e-scooters in Norway, and how it has impacted the market. By looking at three different Norwegian cities in a comparative perspective, I was able to find differences in the three cities. I then proceeded to conduct an interview with the three cities, one for each city. Where I asked questions about the differences in regulations and the process of developing regulations. My main findings from this study are that the three cities have either have had an “emergency” approach to regulating the shared e-scooter market, or they have a “future thinking” approach where they actively try to use e-scooters and micro-mobility as a solution to other problems, such as the lack of buses in an area or in an attempt to reduce car usage. Oslo and Bergen seem to have an “emergency” approach to the regulating of shared e- scooter, while Kristiansand have more “future thinking” approach and are actively using e- scooters to improve their public transportation system. The main differences in the three cities are that Kristiansand have chosen to delegate the authority and responsibility of administrating the rental of e-scooters to their local public transportation authority (AKT). Meanwhile Oslo and Bergen decided not to delegate and keep the responsibility and authority.