With the recent moves of larger companies, and bankruptcies such as this, It seems like the market is starting to show some reality. Probably the new regulations make it even less attractive place to pump (dump?) capital into such ventures. Maybe we have passed peak saturation of these brands.
I had never heard of the company in the article, but having recently moved from the city of Helsinki to a more rural community, I noticed few other lesser-known operators.
The scooter use, in general, seems to make more sense in the less urban areas. The same problems are there, I.E. negative health impacts from replacing walking & cycling, obstruction to light traffic lanes, traffic safety - though to a lesser degree .
I believe there is arguably better utility for these devices in areas where there is very limited or no public transit option. Of course the humble bicycle is a much better and more practical machine in almost every way, but I have encountered many people with such motor fever that the concept of commuting short distances by their own power is unimaginable. My commute now is approximately the same distance as it was in the city, just on country lanes.
In this setting and mentality, an electric scooter provides a reasonable transport alternative for many people. Possibly a stepping stone towards riding a bicycle! If not - it is still a good thing if used as substitute for a heavy car, both environmentally and in terms of safety.
These benefits are the selling point of such scooter companies, but as we know the usual business practices and attitudes towards public space have many problems. Private ownership has it’s own issues, but in some ways works better in the social setting, similar to responsibile bicycle operators.
I guess my point is this: It is probably a good thing some of these companies fail, and regulation may have positive implications on safety and public spaces. Scooters can be nuisance, the business practices are shady, but I do see the technology* of scooters and other light electric (non pedal powered) vehicles as part of the solution towards better infrastructure and healthier living environment for everyone. Perhaps experiments with integration to public transport or non-profit models would be better…
Source: Confessed one-time scooter owner… I got curious… (bike is better in every way.)
*any so-called technology does nothing alone, social perception and appropriate use of our resources are needed.