Private E-scooters May Become Road Legal in UK Roads Soon
In May, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that privately owned electric scooters could soon be legally ridden on British roads.
In May, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that privately owned electric scooters could soon be legally ridden on British roads.
Parliamentarians are debating whether to legalize rent-free e-scooters; some say they are not dangerous, and people have died in accidents, while others say they are used and the rules governing them are essential.
Electric scooters can now be used on England’s roads if they are part of a trial rental scheme. They must have safety features, including automatic lights and a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour. Personal electric scooters can only be used legally on private land. However, they are more common in cities and towns across the country.
The Secretary for Transport told the committee: “In the future, I want to abolish the illegal use of e-scooters.”
Conservative MP Simon Jupp raised concerns about the safety of e-scooters, saying there were “900 accidents, 11 of them fatal.” He said he was concerned by Mr. Shapps’ comments that the Department for Transport (DFT) was considering allowing personal e-scooters on the road if they met the exact safety specifications as those on the pilot program.
Electric Scooters are an Unavoidable Reality
“We will take over the regulatory powers and decide how to use them,” Mr. Shapps promised. “They are true, they exist.” Another committee member, Ben Bradshaw, said electric scooters offer “a safe, cheap, and environmentally friendly way”.
After the meeting, AA chief executive Edmund King said: “The Government is right to tackle this problem and introduce regulations instead of allowing reckless drivers to destroy some of our communities like the Wild West. “Micromobility and electric two-wheeler (E2W) technology can immensely elevate the urban mobility experience. However, we must ensure to not compromise safety.”
Shapps concluded that after standard privately owned e-scooters became legal, he would focus on accommodating higher-spec electric scooters like hyperscooters. Supporters lauded the statement, saying they look forward to next-generation E2Ws like the Flash Motors Infinity X that can reach 75 mph and cover 70 miles on a single charge.
