Conflicting economic and social interests in the use of urban commons: Segways and electric scooters in public spaces. A case study from Budapest, Hungary

Abstract

Over the last two decades several new means of transport have appeared in the public spaces of Budapest. This paper focuses on Segways and electric scooters, especially on the ones operated in sharing systems. The use of these vehicles raises a number of seemingly simple questions, that pose major challenges for decision makers around the world, such as where they can be used, whether they should be supported, or whether they should be banned. This paper primarily aims to provide a comprehensive overview for evaluating the situation in Budapest. Based on that, I will also make suggestions concerning the above-mentioned questions. Regulating the use of new vehicles in public spaces is a fundamental issue. Since public spaces can be interpreted as commons, I analysed the theme primarily from a commons research perspective. Budapest has a complex governing system, which affects the regulation of public space use. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the role of different scales in this system. In the analysis I have reviewed a wide range of sources from scientific literature to media news to legislation. It can be stated that the use of new means of transport is becoming increasingly difficult in Budapest due to successive regulations so in the long run these devices are likely to disappear. However, in a well-established regulatory environment, they could play an important and useful role in substituting car journeys in areas that are difficult to be accessed by conventional public transport.