MPs call for legalisation of electric scooters if pavement ban enforced

A session by the Commons’ transport committee discovered e-scooters could possibly be an efficient method to lower automobile journeys and clear up our air.

But it surely feared they could possibly be harmful to pedestrians if the autos – which might journey at speeds of as much as 15.5mph – have been used on pavements.

The Nationwide Federation of the Blind of the UK have known as for a right away halt to e-scooter rental trials in England and pressing motion in opposition to their unlawful use.

The committee heard proof that native authorities would want further funding to implement any new security restrictions launched to manipulate e-scooters.

Because of their classification as a motorcar below the Highway Site visitors Act 1988, e-scooters can’t be used on the UK’s roads – one of many final nations in Europe the place that is the case.

The transport committee known as for e-scooters to be opened as much as everybody, even these with out a licence, and helmets to be strongly beneficial however not mandated by legislation.

A number of areas, together with Teesside, Hartlepool, Milton Keynes Borough, Northamptonshire, and the West Midlands have now signed up for the trial part forward of a possible nationwide roll out.

Glasgow councillors will subsequent week be beneficial to approve the launch of Scotland’s first pilot rental scheme.

The town council mentioned a number of different Scottish native authorities have been additionally .

Nonetheless, this could possibly be delayed by the necessity for brand spanking new laws in Scotland to allow e-scooters utilizing cycle paths.

Committee chair Huw Merriman mentioned: “E-scooters have the potential to change into an thrilling and ingenious method to navigate our streets and get from place to position.

“If this will get individuals out of the automobile, lowering congestion and exercising within the open air, then even higher.”

However he added: “We have to make sure that their arrival on our streets does not make life harder for pedestrians, and particularly disabled individuals.

“Earlier than continuing with plans to legalise using e-scooters, native authorities and Authorities should use the trials to watch this intently, put enforcement measures in place and guarantee they’re efficient in eliminating this behaviour.”

The committee additionally emphasised the significance of designing a system to stop “road litter” whereby the dockless scooters are left all around the pavement inflicting a hazard.

It mentioned e-scooter “parking hubs” ought to be thought of to keep away from the issue of e-scooters obstructing the pavement.

Sarah Gayton, shared area coordinator for the Nationwide Federation of the Blind of the UK, mentioned: “We don’t consider the rider behaviour will be capable to be managed and pedestrians will probably be put in danger if the trials go forward in Glasgow.”

AA president Edmund King mentioned: “We assist the legalisation of e-scooters to be used on the general public freeway, so long as sure security standards are met.

“Because the most secure choice, we’d assist using e-scooters on prolonged devoted cycle methods and advocate some type of coaching earlier than setting off on the general public freeway.”

The transport committee beneficial that velocity limits for scooters be set by native authorities however the AA mentioned limits ought to be agreed at a nationwide degree.