Labour has confirmed new rules will be unveiled for electric scooters this year as part of tougher safety reforms required to crack down on rulebreakers.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated current laws remain out of step with reality, with many riders simply ignoring existing rules.
The Government had previously promised to introduce new e-scooter regulations last year, which would include potential licence plates for riders as well as stricter rules on speed, weight and materials used.
The Transport Secretary has now said the “genie is out of the bottle” when it comes to the use of e-scooters, with many riders failing to use the devices only on private land outside of trial areas.
Despite the electric scooters being illegal on public roads and pavements, many riders ignore these rules, which has now prompted the Government to act.
A Government source told GB News: “Successive Conservative Governments dragged their feet while a black market of e-scooters has been allowed to take over our streets.
“E-scooters can be a great way to get around, but they must be properly regulated, safe for pedestrians as well as riders, and we must ensure they cannot clutter up our streets.”
In an interview with the BBC, Ms Alexander acknowledged the law needed to be updated to better protect Britons.
E-scooters are currently only allowed on private land unless being used in trial areas
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GETTYShe said: “If you buy an e-scooter yourself in somewhere like Halfords… you can only use that scooter by law on private land. But we all know that isn’t happening.
“We need to legislate so that we set some rules about where people can use them. I don’t think, for example, they should ever be allowed to be used on pavements.”
The Transport Secretary added that the improved regulations would introduce tougher speed limits and safety requirements for e-scooters, including mandatory lights and working brakes.
Under current legislation, e-scooters are classified as motor vehicles, making their use on public roads illegal without proper licensing and insurance. Riders can be fined £300 as well as issued six penalty points on their driving licence.
Under the proposals, e-scooters will face new restrictions, including potential licence plates
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TFLDespite these restrictions, it is estimated that one million privately owned devices are operating on UK roads, with law enforcement often falling short.
Earlier this year, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed that while rental e‑scooter trials will continue until 2028, the Government would create a clearer legal framework for the vehicles.
He told the House of Commons: “We have extended e‑scooter trials until May 2028 to allow local authorities to test how the technology works. We have also committed to pursuing legislation, when parliamentary time allows, for the full regulation of micromobility, so they work for all people.”
As part of the new Road Safety Strategy, the Government revealed it would pursue legislative reform for electric vehicles “when parliamentary time allows”.
E-scooters can be seized by police for being operated illegally on UK roads | DERBYSHIRE POLICE
The strategy detailed how the changes would provide a “proportionate and agile process” for regulating Low-speed Zero Emission Vehicles.
It stated: “The LZEV Framework will enable safe, legal use of new technology and allow the police to tackle irresponsible and anti-social use. Further consultation and regulations will be developed once the LZEV Framework has been approved by Parliament, before any specific new vehicles are legalised and regulated.
“By taking a proactive, evidence-led approach, Great Britain can harness the benefits of micromobility while minimising risks and ensuring equitable access to safe travel.”
The Government plans to launch a consultation on new e-scooter rules later this year, with the hope of introducing new legislation.