Scotland’s political parties are being called on to support new legislation that would open the door to shared e-scooter schemes, giving the public legal access to the vehicles for the first time.
The appeal comes from Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), the national charity representing shared transport, as campaigning gathers pace ahead of the upcoming Holyrood election in May.
CoMoUK has set out six proposals it wants included in party manifestos, with a central demand being the introduction of laws to enable shared e-scooter services across Scotland.
At present, rental schemes are the only lawful way to use e-scooters on public roads in the UK. These have been trialled in a number of towns and cities in England since 2020, but no equivalent programmes have yet been introduced north of the border.
As a result, the charity argues that Scotland is missing out on a transport option that is affordable, flexible and environmentally friendly.
Bringing such schemes into operation would require both primary and secondary legislation. However, CoMoUK says several cities – including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee – are well positioned to host pilot projects.
Beyond e-scooters, the organisation is urging parties to commit to wider measures aimed at expanding shared transport. One recommendation is the creation of a dedicated shared transport unit within the next Scottish Government to help coordinate policy and delivery.
Shared transport includes services such as bike hire, car clubs and lift sharing, all of which are designed to reduce reliance on privately owned vehicles.
Among the other proposals is a target to increase the availability of car club vehicles to at least one per 10,000 people, bringing Scotland more in line with countries like France and Italy.
CoMoUK is also advocating for long-term investment in a network of “mobility hubs” — locations that bring together different transport options and local services in one place. Positioned along key travel routes, these hubs are intended to better connect shared transport with public transport and active travel choices.
Additional recommendations include updating Scotland’s Active Travel Strategy to more clearly incorporate shared bike schemes, and ensuring that new housing developments are planned in ways that prioritise alternatives to car use, including access to shared transport.
The charity says adopting these measures would help accelerate the shift towards more sustainable, accessible and integrated transport systems across the country.
Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said: ‘Scotland has a tremendous opportunity to become a leader in sustainable travel, and as we approach the Holyrood election, it is time for bold commitments and action.
‘For too long, Scots have been denied the benefits of shared e-scooters, a flexible and low-carbon mode of transport that has been enjoyed by people in England for years.
‘As well as giving e-scooter schemes the green light, enacting our other pledges would help the next Scottish Government unlock a cleaner, greener, and more affordable future for all.
‘Expanding car clubs, building a network of mobility hubs, and embedding shared transport into new housing developments would help to cut emissions and reduce traffic congestion.
‘We urge all parties to embrace these solutions now, ensuring that Scotland leads the way in sustainable transport rather than watching from the sidelines.’
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