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A Government spokesperson has confirmed that new e-scooter legislation is on the way in the upcoming Transport Bill.
On Tuesday (10th May), the UK Government set out its plans for new laws in the upcoming parliamentary session in the Queen’s Speech,
While there was no specific mention of electric scooters in the speech or the supporting documents, a Government spokesperson has since told the BBC that new laws on privately-owned e-scooters are on the way.
The spokesperson told the BBC: “While riding a privately owned e-scooter on public land is currently illegal, we are considering how best to design future regulations and our Transport Bill will help us to take the steps we need to make e-scooters safer and support innovation.”
It is currently illegal to ride privately-owned electric scooters on public roads without a licence and insurance.
There are more than 30 trial scooter rental schemes in operation across the UK, as the Government has been collecting safety data from the schemes to inform the potential legalisation of private scooters.
A government safety report was scheduled to be published in “late spring.”
Micromobility retailers and campaigners had been expecting an update on the legalisation of private-use electric scooters, after transport secretary Grant Shapps said last month that an update would be included in the speech.
However, there was no direct mention of electric scooters in the speech or the supporting documents, instead there was a minor reference to the upcoming Transport Bill.
Giving the speech to the nation, Prince Charles said: “My Government will improve transport across the United Kingdom, delivering safer, cleaner services and enabling more innovations. Legislation will be introduced to modernise rail services and improve reliability for passengers.”
There was no mention of electric scooters in the background briefing notes, published by the Government alongside the speech.
The document also says the purpose of the bill is to: “Keep the UK at the forefront of transport innovation, helping deliver the reforms we have promised to decarbonise transport, transform the way we travel, and better connect communities.”
The document adds one of the benefits of the bill will be to “enable innovation in transport, improving safety and providing new choices for the public, whilst attracting investment to the UK.”
Read more: Sight loss charities urge Government not to legalise e-scooters
On 27th April, Mr Shapps told the House of Commons Transport Committee that the Government plans to introduce legislation to allow the Government to regulate e-scooters in the 2022-23 parliamentary session.
The Government will then be able to regulate e-scooter standards concerning speed, power, lights and other details.
