In the city of Rosario, there is a growing trend in the use of electric vehicles as a means of daily transportation. The proliferation of scooters, assisted bicycles, and battery-powered motorcycles is increasingly evident in the urban landscape, especially for short and medium distance commutes related to the workday.
Electric vehicles, a change in urban mobility
What was once perceived as a novelty or a technological toy has now become a real mobility tool.
According to experts and sector merchants, the user profile has significantly expanded. Although initially the main audience was young people under 30, the range has now extended to people between 20 and 50 years old who are looking for an efficient alternative to avoid traffic and parking problems.
The Mobility Secretary of Rosario, Nerina Manganelli, points out that these devices allow for better coexistence on the public road due to their small size and low environmental impact.
Additionally, it is highlighted that their use allows reaching destinations with predictable times, something highly valued by those who need to meet office hours or appointments in the central area.
Regulations and road safety
To regulate this new reality, Rosario has ordinance No. 10.110 (enacted at the end of 2020), which establishes clear rules for the circulation of electric scooters. Among the main points of the regulation are:
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The obligation to circulate exclusively on bike lanes or bike paths.
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The network of these protected lanes already reaches 205 kilometers in the city.
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Circulation is prohibited on avenues (where there is no exclusive lane) and on the Circunvalación Avenue, since these vehicles have a maximum allowed speed of 25 km/h, while on the avenues the minimum speed is higher.
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The use of a helmet, visible clothing (reflective elements), and having a civil liability insurance is required.
The rise of bicycles and delivery
Not only scooters are gaining ground; electric bicycles also show sustained growth. Merchants like Liporaci explain that many delivery app workers have opted for these units.
Unlike the scooter, the bicycle offers luggage racks and the possibility of assisted pedaling, allowing the user to alternate between physical effort and the help of the electric motor, which is ideal for long days.
Challenges: Repair and After-sales
Despite the sales success, the sector faces a “bottleneck” in the area of technical services and after-sales.
Not all traditional bike repair shops accept working with these equipment due to their electronic components and the difficulty in obtaining specific spare parts or performing battery repairs.
Towards the future
The phenomenon of micromobility in Rosario is not isolated, but is part of a global transition towards abandoning internal combustion engines.
The promise of a quieter city with sustainable mobility now depends on the road infrastructure and enforcement keeping pace with this accelerated change in citizens’ habits.
