The Metropolitan Police have seized over 2,500 private e-scooters since the beginning of this year, according to Transport for London (TfL).
In the same week as TfL expanded its rental e-scooter trials into Camden, the operator once again stressed that the use of privately own e-scooters remains illegal on public roads.
Rental e-scooters include a number of safety features such as always-on lights, GPS controlled parking and geofencing to enable no-go zones. These features are designed to ensure the micromobility vehicles can only be parked in specified locations and cannot be ridden in certain areas. Hired e-scooters also have a unique identification number on every vehicle.
Mayor Philip Glanville, chair of London councils’ transport and environment committee, said: “Safety remains the top priority for the trial. We will be looking closely at data and insights as the trial continues to grow to determine whether e-scooters are a viable part of a greener and healthier future for London.
“Vitally, the trial is shaped by the boroughs and aims to support London’s diverse local communities by being inclusive of the travel needs of all Londoners, especially those on lower incomes.”
Furthermore, since the beginning of the London trial the maximum speed the hire e-scooters can achieve has been lowered from 15.5mph to 12.5mph. This can be reduced to 8mph in go-slow zones.
The operators also have additional safety measures in place, including ‘first ride policies’, meaning riders must take an in-app safety course before they hire for the first time and lower maximum speeds in place for their first ride.
Other safety measures in place include in-app messaging during certain hours to remind users that riding under the influence of alcohol is illegal and asking the rider to confirm their sobriety before use.
