In Effort to Cut Carbon Emissions, Egypt Introduces E-scooters to its Ambulance Fleet
The Egyptian government has today introduced electric scooters to the fleet of the Egyptian Ambulance Organization (EAO) to respond to emergencies and provide first aid to injured people until the arrival of traditional ambulance vehicles, according to the acting Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, in a statement earlier today.
The Egyptian Health Ministry Spokesperson, Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, says the ambulance scooters are EAO’s latest service introduced to the public, and their high speed and small size allow them to pass through narrow streets and alleyways to provide aid to injured people.
He stated that the ambulance scooters are equipped with first aid kits and assist the injured until the ambulance vehicles arrive.
The electric scooter can travel over 100 kilometers with a fully charged battery while reducing carbon emissions. In addition, on phone 123, EAO receives emergency calls and provides emergency services 24/7, the ministry’s spokesperson explained.
Mohamed Gad, Chairman of the Egyptian Ambulance Organization (EAO), stated that the ambulance e-scooter launch is in line with the Egyptian government’s unwavering efforts to protect the environment, which is the goal of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), which will be held in the Red Sea city of Sharm El-Sheikh this November.
The chairman stated that the expansion of ambulance services would be discussed at COP27.
He went on to say that EAO took a big step toward relying on clean energy by constructing 77 solar power stations across the country as part of the National Strategy for Climate Change 2050.
Egypt’s Efforts in Cutting Carbon Emissions
This is part of the North African country’s efforts in many sectors, including transportation, to achieve sustainable development and a green economy.
Last September, Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Mercedes-Benz reached an agreement under which the German automaker would supply Egypt with 2,510 ambulances and mobile clinics worth more than EGP 3 billion ($190 million), all of which will be powered by environmentally friendly engines.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly directed the EAO in June 2022 to contract the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) for the construction of six marine ambulance boats in the Red Sea and South Sinai governorates to serve the tourism sector, cruises, and various maritime activities.