Government plans to legislate on e-scooter use in the UK

In the United Kingdom, e-scooters have gained increasing attention due to their potential as a zero-emission transportation alternative. The government has recognized that existing regulations are outdated, considering e-scooters as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act of 1988. Currently, it's legal to purchase e-scooters, but riding them on public roads remains illegal unless designated as part of a specific trial period. These trials, which involve various providers such as Voi, Tier-Dott, and Lime, allow for legally rented e-scooters in 19 areas, including major cities like London and Liverpool. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh addressed the Parliament Transport Select Committee to highlight the government's strong intention to legislate the use of e-scooters. She indicated that while they lacked the parliamentary time in the current session to introduce a relevant bill, it is essential to develop regulations for private e-scooter owners to ensure safe and structured usage. Haigh acknowledged the need to address issues such as parking and littering, which have been significant concerns associated with e-scooter trials, and emphasized the importance of assessing the behavioral impact of e-scooter usage in urban mobility. Despite the illegal use of e-scooters being widespread, the government believes that legislation is crucial to properly integrate them into the UK’s transport system. Organizations like CoMoUK have welcomed the potential for legalizing e-scooters. They argue that clear legislation will not only support the popular shared e-scooter trials but will also define the use of private e-scooters. The push for legislation underscores the commitment to promoting sustainable urban transport and indicates an understanding of evolving mobility needs. While the UK considers how to regulate e-scooter usage, other cities like Paris have led the way in establishing strict regulations due to safety concerns. In 2023, Paris became the first European city to ban rental e-scooters, citing issues similar to those raised in the UK, including reckless riding and poor parking practices. As discussions continues in the UK about how best to move forward with e-scooter legislation, the experience in cities like Paris will likely inform decision-making. To create a successful legislative framework, UK authorities will need to ensure that the benefits of e-scooter usage can be maximized while mitigating associated risks.