Paris Votes to Ban E-Scooter Rental Companies

PARIS—People in the French capital have voted to ban electric-scooter rental services from its streets in a hotly debated referendum, a dark signal for an urban transportation market that the city helped pioneer.

Electric-scooter rentals lost in a landslide, with between 86% and 92% of people who participated voting against the services, according to preliminary district tallies released by the city.

Paris officials have said that in the event of an “against” vote, the three companies that pay for contracts to operate in Paris, including the U.S.-based company Lime, would have to yank their fleet of a combined 15,000 e-scooters in the city by Sept. 1.

If the city follows through, it would mark the first time that a major city that had offered contracts for e-scooter rentals in the center of town has made a complete U-turn on its policy, the companies said. It is a blow to scooter companies such as Lime, which had pointed to Paris as an example of how their services could be effectively regulated.

Paris’s regulatory scheme, which automatically limited the top speed of the scooters and required users to use dedicated parking areas or pay fines, has inspired elements of new tender offers or expansions of systems in cities including New York, London and Madrid, said the companies that currently operate in Paris. They also include the Franco-Dutch company Dott and Germany’s Tier Mobility.

The companies didn’t immediately comment on the outcome of the vote.

For Ray White AKG Group chief executive Avi Khan and his fiancée, top-performing agent Kaylea Sayer, no multimillion-dollar property transaction could rival their most treasured arrival, daughter Zara Mae Khan, born just in time for Valentine’s Day.

In a testament to her renowned work ethic, Ms Sayer continued assisting clients from her hospital bed just days after giving birth, finalising settlements while cradling her newborn daughter.

“I had two properties settle yesterday,” said Ms Sayer, who worked right up until Zara’s arrival.

“I am so grateful for my clients, buyers and sellers, they’ve been amazing – I was literally lying in bed organising settlements.”

Weighing 3.5 kilograms, Zara made her entrance at 11.28 pm on Sunday, February 8, at Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital in South Brisbane, arriving just one day after her due date.

“It was my due date, and I was having lunch at mum’s when I started feeling a bit off,” Ms Sayer said.

“I said to Avi, ‘I think we should go home.”

Later that day, her waters broke at home, and the couple headed to the hospital, where an emotional four-hour labour followed.

The experience became even more meaningful when Ms Sayer’s obstetrician, Dr Jill Cox, who was not scheduled to work that weekend, logged in remotely before travelling to the hospital to personally assist with the birth.

“She wasn’t supposed to work that weekend, but she came in around 10 pm,” Ms Sayer said.

“I thought she had just come into work, but she told me she came specifically to help Avi and I. It was so nice having her there.”

For Mr Khan, already a devoted father to Aisha, 12, and Amir, 10, welcoming Zara brought a profound sense of perspective.

“It’s hard to put into words,” he says softly. “In that instant, everything else fades away. Nothing matters except that little heartbeat in your hands.”

“Even the third time, it doesn’t feel routine. It feels sacred. You look at them and think, ‘I am a father.’ And it hits you just as powerfully as the first time.”

The couple selected the name Zara for its shared cultural significance.

“We wanted something that resonated with both our identities,” Mr Khan said.

“Zara means princess, radiance, and blooming flower. It has really cool meanings in both English and Muslim backgrounds”.

Ms Sayer’s professional drive has been evident throughout her career. Entering real estate at just 16 years old, she worked throughout her pregnancy, including helping organise the company’s flagship The One conference, which attracted more than 1000 of Australia’s leading real estate performers while she was nine months pregnant.

“January was actually the easiest month,” she said.

“I knew I was on the home stretch.”

Valentine’s Day celebrations this year, however, will take on a more intimate tone.

“We’ll probably be changing nappies, eating in, and watching a cool movie together,” Mr Khan said.

With strong family support, a high-performing team and now baby Zara completing their household, Mr Khan believes balancing professional ambition with family life is both achievable and deeply rewarding.

“There’s no manual for any of this,” he said.

“But with good family, good support, and a good team around us, we’ll figure it out.”

Paris Votes to Ban E-Scooter Rental Companies

Vote hits companies such as Lime, which had pointed to Paris to show how scooter services could be regulated

Powerhouse real estate couple Avi Khan and Kaylea Sayer welcome their daughter while balancing record-breaking careers, proving success and family can grow side by side.