Transport Secretary opens door for legalisation of e-scooters

Shortly after the new government took office, we reported that shared transport charity Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) had co-ordinated a coalition of interested parties to write to the new Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, calling for the legalisation of e-scooters in the UK.

It seems their efforts might have had an effect as today she told the Transport Select Committee that introducing regulations for e-scooters is ‘clearly required’ and that ministers would ‘look to legislate’.

The legal status of e-scooters in the UK has been in flux for years, with the previous government outwardly supporting legalisation, without getting around to implementing it.

The delay in such legislation has led to the continual extension of e-scooter trials – where they exist – with the current trials scheduled to run until May 2026.

Ms Haigh said today: ‘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 not good enough that it’s been left in this situation for too long.’

She conceded that e-scooters could be an ‘effective part of an integrated transport strategy’ but also referenced the issues with parking which have blighted some rental schemes. 

She said the government would need to look at ‘what journeys they are replacing, and the behavioural impact of e-scooters.’

The UK’s national charity for shared transport has welcomed comments by Louise Haigh that recognise the role e-scooters can play in an integrated transport strategy, and that the government intends to legislate on e-scooters when it can find parliamentary time.

Commenting, Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said: ‘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.

‘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 a part of an integrated, sustainable transport offer.’