RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “There is no doubt
that e-scooters have the potential to transform how many of us
get around, at least over short distances, and being
zero-emission they could help in reducing overall air pollution
as well.
"But the path to introducing them safely is fraught with
difficulties. From ensuring limited road space can be safely
shared by drivers, cyclists and now e-scooter riders, right
through to how to minimising the chances of them being used on
pavements, there is a great deal for national and local
government, as well as police forces, to work through.
"There is also a good argument for ensuring there is sufficient
segregated cycle/scooter-ways built to reduce the amount of
conflict between these new forms of transport and existing road
traffic.
“Effective regulation, as well as education of riders, is
therefore extremely important to ensure the safety of all road
users, especially the vulnerable, isn’t compromised.
“The RAC believes these devices should be restricted to use on
roads and cycle lanes, be speed limited, and have both front and
rear lights and reflectors as a minimum. The Government should
also explore whether mandatory insurance and registration plates
for e-scooters could also bring enhanced safety benefits and
reduce the risk of these being used illegally.
“While there are trials taking place in some parts of the
country, it’s worth remembering that these are hire schemes and
that private e-scooter use remains illegal.”
