E-scooter update

They’re exceedingly popular as a quick and easy way to get around. But as local authorities are hailing them a huge environmental success, e-scooters continue to provoke controversy.

The government sees e-scooters as a key part of its emissions-cutting policy by getting people out of their cars on short trips in town and for commuting. Yet, as I have highlighted previously, using an e-scooter on the highway (which includes footpaths) and in other public spaces is illegal. The exception is if you’re participating in one of the increasing number of rental scheme trials.

E-scooter fines

Riding a scooter illegally could result in your scooter being confiscated and:

• a fixed penalty notice for no insurance with a £300 fine and six penalty points;
• a fixed penalty notice for no driving licence and up to £100 fine and three-six penalty points.

There are also numerous reports of e-scooter riders summoned for a diverse range of offences, including:

• riding on a footpath;
• using a mobile phone whilst riding;
• riding through a red light; and
• drink driving.

E-scooter deaths

It’s perhaps understandable that the growing popularity of legal e-scooter schemes is a major factor in boosting sales of private e-scooters. Indeed, basic models are now readily available on the high street for under £300. Retailers printed warnings – usually along the lines of “Not to be used on public roads, cycle paths, pavements or public areas” – would be laughable if it wasn’t for the growing number of reports of e-scooter accidents. Tragically, the were 10 e-scooter fatalities last year, and hundreds more riders were seriously injured.

E-scooter trials

There are currently 31 e-scooter rental schemes in England. Earlier this year, there was considerable expectation of a further relaxation of the law concerning e-scooter usage, albeit subject to a raft of safety and other conditions. However, it’s now several months since the government last published an update on their proposals.

Watch this space!