Following the news that the new Transport Bill is expected to
include provisions for the legalisation of private e-scooters,
the RAC have responded as follows:
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “Legalising private
e-scooter use on public roads could transform shorter journeys in
urban and other built-up areas. We know that many car journeys
are often under two miles, contributing to congestion in our
towns and cities, so allowing privately-owned e-scooters to use
the roads could help reduce traffic volumes. However,
opening a new mode of transport to everyone isn’t without its
risks. It is vital that the Government looks carefully at how
legalisation can be done safely and that learnings are taken from
the myriad of trials that are taking place across the country.
“We believe that the Government needs to look at how e-scooters
can be prevented from using pavements and kept out of
pedestrianised areas, and whether they should be covered by
compulsory insurance and built to meet certain standards to
ensure their safe use. Questions will also be raised as to
whether e-scooter riders should be able to demonstrate a certain
level of riding competence before taking to the roads.
“It’s also important to remember that road fatality numbers have
plateaued in recent years, so it would be disastrous if a hasty
decision to legalise all e-scooters led to an increase in deaths
and serious injuries.”
