UK moves closer towards e-scooter legalisation

UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has hinted that the Government intends to legalise the use of private e-scooters on public roads, saying regulations were “clearly required”.

While trials of rental e-scooters in towns and cities across roads England have been ongoing since July 2020, private e-scooters are currently illegal on roads and pavements.

Despite the current rules, enforcement has been patchy with private e-scooters a common sight in cities across the country.

Speaking before a Parliament Transport Select Committee, Haigh said e-scooters could be a “really effective part” of an integrated transport strategy.

“We’ve not got parliamentary time in this session or a relevant Bill that could be used to regulate e-scooters, but we will look to legislate, absolutely – it’s clearly required.

“It’s not good enough that it’s been left in this situation for too long.”

Issues

While Haigh’s comments are one of the strongest indications from a UK government that private e-scooters will be legalised, several issues were raised by the transport minister.

“[There are] undoubtedly issues around parking and around street litter”, said Haigh, adding there was a need to “really carefully analyse what journeys they are replacing, and the behavioural impact of e-scooters”.

Safety has also been highlighted by some campaigners.

UK Department for Transport figures show 11 riders and one pedestrian died in e-scooter crashes in Britain in 2022.

A further 1,480 injuries were also recorded, including 1,138 riders, 232 pedestrians and 50 cyclists.

Reaction

The UK’s national charity for shared transport CoMoUK has welcomed the transport secretary’s comments.

“The transport secretary’s acceptance that it is time to move towards the legalisation of e-scooters is excellent news and we look forward to her announcing the next steps,” said Richard Dilks, Chief Executive of CoMoUK.

“Legalisation is the only way to grow and lock in the impressive popularity of the shared e-scooter trials for the long term, as well as being the only way to have a clear and safe definition of private e-scooters and their use.

“In this way, ministers can give this cheap, flexible and green mode of transport a long-term future, helping deliver growth and decarbonisation at the same time.

“We know we have to attract people away from the use of private cars, and e-scooters are one mode of transport that can help to do this, ideally as part of an integrated, sustainable transport offer.”

There are currently over 20 shared e-scooter trial areas across England, with Voi, TIER-Dott and Lime among the largest operators.

In a statement provided to Cities Today, Voi’s UK General Manager James Bolton welcomed the development.

“Legislation would help unlock the full potential of rental e-scooters in the UK, and ensure privately owned e-scooters are equally safe and operated responsibly.

“To give operators the certainty we need to continue investing in the UK, what we now need is for the government to set out a firm timeline for bringing forward legislation. Our message to the transport secretary is let’s work together to get this right.”

Hal Stevenson, Director of Policy for UK and Ireland, Lime also welcomed the minister’s comments.

“The data the current trials have collected will be key in informing this. E-scooters are an efficient and sustainable way for people to get around and we welcome Louise Haigh’s view that they can be part of an effective, integrated transport strategy.”

Iqbal Ahmed, Head of Public Policy for UK and Ireland for TIER-Dott, added that the demand for shared services “shows the need for safe and sustainable modes of transport, such as e-scooters”.

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