The electric scooter landscape is undergoing a radical transformation at the start of 2026, driven by a dual focus on rigorous safety enforcement and aggressive market expansion. As urban centers grapple with the “chaos” of micro-mobility, new legislative frameworks are emerging to balance convenience with public order, while manufacturers race to capture the budget-conscious consumer segment.
- Glendale Enforces Strict New Age and Safety Requirements
Starting Friday, Jan. 9, the city of Glendale, Arizona, will begin strict enforcement of a new ordinance requiring e-scooter riders to be at least 12 years old and mandating helmets for minors. The rules also require active lights and reflectors for night riding to address rising safety concerns in the community. (Source: FOX 10 Phoenix) - Bajaj Auto Confirms Affordable Chetak Variant Launch
Indian manufacturing giant Bajaj Auto is set to unveil a new, budget-friendly version of its Chetak electric scooter on January 14, 2026. This model is expected to utilize lighter materials and a hub-mounted motor to compete in the sub-₹90,000 price bracket, targeting daily urban commuters. (Source: Hindustan Times) - Prague Formally Commences Ban on Shared E-Scooter Rentals
Following a regulatory revamp approved late last year, Prague has officially moved to eliminate shared e-scooter rentals as of January 2026. City officials cited persistent “chaos” on sidewalks and high accident rates compared to shared bicycles as the primary drivers for the ban. (Source: CTV News) - IAG Research Warns of Growing “Safety Gap” in Lithium Batteries
A major study released by IAG on January 6, 2026, warns that the rapid adoption of e-scooters is outpacing safety standards, with the average household expected to hold 33 lithium-ion devices by year-end. The research highlights that fire risks are significantly higher for uncertified products purchased from unregulated online retailers. (Source: Insurance Business Mag) - New York City’s UL Standard Mandate Shows Life-Saving Results
Updated data discussed by safety experts on January 7 confirms that NYC’s move to mandate UL accreditation for e-scooter batteries has successfully slashed fire-related fatalities. Since the 2023 law took effect, annual deaths linked to lithium-ion mobility devices have fallen from nearly 30 to just six. (Source: UL Standards & Engagement) - Massachusetts Lawmakers Propose Statewide Micromobility Framework
State Senator Brendan Crighton introduced a discussion on January 7 regarding new legislation intended to regulate e-scooters across Massachusetts. The bill aims to create a uniform balance between the transportation needs of residents and the safety of pedestrians on shared walkways. (Source: WBZ NewsRadio 1030) - E-Scooters Identified as Key Driver for Local Retail Growth
An economic analysis published on January 7 argues that e-bikes and scooters are significantly boosting neighborhood businesses by expanding the “catchment area” for local shops. The report suggests that users with micro-mobility access visit local retailers with higher frequency than those dependent on cars. (Source: Streetsblog New York City) - California SB 1271 Battery Testing Standards Enter Full Effect
As of January 1, 2026, California has begun enforcing Senate Bill 1271, which prohibits the sale or lease of any powered mobility device that has not been tested by an accredited laboratory. The law requires clear labeling to ensure consumers can verify the fire safety of their e-scooter’s battery system. (Source: CHP News) - Serious E-Scooter Collision Reported in West Phoenix
A woman riding an electric scooter was hospitalized on Wednesday after being struck by a vehicle driven by a potentially impaired driver in West Phoenix. The incident has reignited local debates regarding the vulnerability of micro-mobility users in areas with high-speed vehicular traffic. (Source: KTAR News) - Global Market Forecast Predicts Surge to $60 Billion in 2026
A new industry report from Precedence Research estimates the global electric scooter market will grow to $60.65 billion this year. The growth is fueled by massive infrastructure investments in India and China, as well as the rising popularity of folding models for last-mile transit. (Source: Precedence Research)
Synthesis: The Maturation of Micro-Mobility
The data from the last 22 hours suggests that the “Wild West” era of electric scooters is firmly coming to an end. We are seeing a clear global trend toward institutionalization: cities like Prague are opting for outright bans on shared models to reclaim public space, while others like Glendale and New York are opting for “safety through certification.” The transition to UL-certified batteries and laboratory-tested hardware (as seen in California’s new laws) is no longer a luxury but a legal baseline.
Simultaneously, the market is shifting from high-end early adopters to mass-market practicality. The upcoming launch of Bajaj’s affordable Chetak indicates that manufacturers are pivoting toward value-driven consumers who view e-scooters as essential tools for navigating the “last mile” rather than as tech toys. For businesses and urban planners, the takeaway is clear: the e-scooter is a permanent fixture of the 2026 economy, but its survival depends on a “safety-first” engineering culture and harmonized local regulations.