CoMoUK call for legalisation of e-scooters

Shared transport charity Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) have 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.

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. 

CoMoUK, along with representatives from councils, transport groups, environmental campaigners and e-scooter operators, are calling for a new legal status which they describe as ‘the only way to resolve the problems caused by “entirely unregulated” privately-owned e-scooters being ridden on public roads.’

In the short term, it is suggested that existing e-scooter trials are expanded and new ones launched where local authorities and operators agree they are needed.

CoMoUK research found that existing trials have generated 48 million trips since they began in July 2020, with accidents nowhere near as frequent as some would suggest, occurring at a rate of one for every 500,000 journeys.

The letter suggests the creation of a new “low powered zero emission vehicle class” which could be applied to other forms of transport.

Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said: ‘The new Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, has told her department that she wants to “move fast and fix things”. We say: excellent, let’s start by expanding shared e-scooter trials and, ultimately, legalising e-scooters.

‘By clearing up the ongoing uncertainty around their status on the UK’s roads, ministers can give this cheap, flexible and green mode of transport a long-term future.

‘Legalisation would improve safety standards and clear away the negative perceptions of e-scooters that have arisen largely due to the total lack of regulation.

‘Given how popular shared e-scooters have proven in trial areas in England, it could also make a significant contribution to helping the UK meet its climate change targets.

‘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.’