e-Scooter Update

5 May 2021

It has been reported by The Sunday Times that final determination may not take place until after delayed London trial.

A decision on the use of e-scooters, which have been trialled in 50 cities across the UK since last summer, is reportedly unlikely to be made until they have been tested in London. The rollout of an e-scooter trial in the capital has faced delays since its announcement.

Trials were expected to finish this August, but ministers have now revealed that they will continue until March next year, meaning that a decision regarding whether or not to permit their use will not be made until next Spring. Legislation, therefore, may not come into effect until mid-2023.

Further reports available from Smart Transport

The UK Department for Transport is reviewing the regulations that apply to e-scooters as part of its Future of Transport programme. A call for evidence on micromobility vehicles (which includes e-scooters) was launched in March 2020.

Under UK law, it's permitted to ride an electric scooter on private land as long as you have the landowner's permission. But it's an offence to ride them in public – including on paths, pavements and roads. ... Riding without a licence could see you fined up to £1,000 and given points, the Metropolitan Police has said