The UK’s Transport Committee has launched an inquiry to explore the safety and legal implications of electric scooters.
The inquiry will consider their impact on congestion and potential contribution to reducing the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.
In the UK, e-scooters are classified as a ‘powered transporter’ and are covered by laws that apply to all motor vehicles, including the requirements of the Road Traffic Act 1988 on road tax and technical safety standards.
The Transport Committee’s inquiry will consider whether e-scooters should be permitted on roads, cycles lanes and/or pavements.
Huw Merriman MP, chair of the Transport Committee, said: “Electric scooters could be a useful lever to reduce our transport carbon footprint but their environmental credentials have yet to be proven.
“These ‘powered transporters’ could reduce the amount of time we spend in cars and reduce congestion but we don’t want to score an own goal by encouraging the use of micromobility vehicles instead of walking and cycling.
“Road safety is a significant consideration. We must consider the dangers to other road users and especially pedestrians with visual impairments or those who use mobility aids and rely on clear pavements. Safety must also be a factor for riders of e-scooters.”
The closing date for written evidence is 2 June, 2020.
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