Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia on Wednesday shared plans to introduce parking bays for e-scooters in various localities.

This proposal comes following the introduction of 40 parking bays designated specifically for e-scooters in San Gwann.

“We aim to replicate the success that we found in San Gwann in various localities,” Farrugia told Parliament.

“It’s good to continue pushing for the use of this alternative transport method while also regulating their use,” Farrugia said.

“We have agreed on a plan for parking bays in popular e-scooter locations, such as St. Julian’s, Sliema, Gzira, and Ta’ Xbiex amongst others,” he continued.

“Upon meeting the largest company that provide e-scooters, I was informed that there were 15,000 daily e-scooter rides in the summer,” he added.

“If we believe that e-scooters are truly viable as alternative means of transport, we need to continue pushing for their use,” Farrugia concluded.

Despite their usefulness as an alternative transport method, particularly for short distances, e-scooters have come under the microscope for their perceived lack of safety and because they tend to be left strewn across pavements and promenades when not in use.

Transport Malta Enforcement Manager Patrick Pollacco told The Malta Independent at the start of last month 160 of these e-scooters had been confiscated owing to breaches of traffic laws.