The UK Government is planning a major crackdown on e-scooters, and it could mean big changes for riders.
New proposals could see private e-scooter users needing to pass a basic test, carry insurance, and display number plates, as ministers aim to bring order to what’s become a bit of a free-for-all on the streets.
Other rules being considered include setting a minimum age (possibly 14) and forcing manufacturers to limit speeds, likely to around 12.5mph.
Why now? Privately-owned e-scooters are technically banned on public roads, but with an estimated one million of them out there, enforcement is patchy. Some have even been modified to hit 70mph, which is way beyond what they were designed for.
A government insider said, "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."
Concerns have been growing about safety and crime. Over the past three years, e-scooters were linked to more than 20,000 crimes, including drug offences, thefts and even a drive-by shooting, according to police data. Road safety groups and disability charities have also raised the alarm about reckless riding, especially on pavements, and scooters dumped in public spaces.
Nick Freeman, also known as “Mr Loophole,” added, "The delay to bringing in proper legislation is effectively giving the green light for e-scooters to be used to commit all forms of criminal activity. They're stealth-like, and there's no registration plates so the police have very little chance of apprehending anyone. They're a menace."
Right now, only rental scooters are legal to use on public roads, and they already require a full or provisional licence to ride. But it’s the privately-owned scooters, often bought online, that are causing the most concern, especially among teens and younger adults who use them daily without any formal training or licence.
The government is also looking at a basic rider test to boost safety, though it's unclear what that might involve. Insurance might be on the table too, but likely won’t be mandatory in the UK unless the cost drops significantly. For context, e-scooter insurance in Germany can cost as little as £20 a year.
If the law changes, the UK will finally join the rest of Europe in properly regulating e-scooters, something road safety groups say is long overdue.
