Labour has been heavily criticised for failing to include crucial driving policies in the King's Speech, particularly regarding e-scooter legislation. The speech, delivered on May 13, omitted any mention of new laws to regulate e-scooters, despite widespread anticipation from experts and industry leaders.
Missed Opportunity for Micromobility
Christina Moe Gjerde, Vice President of Northern Europe at Voi, expressed strong disappointment. She stated that the UK is missing a significant opportunity to embrace micromobility. "This comes despite repeated calls from us to bring an end to the e-scooter trials, so we can grow, invest and deliver the safe and reliable micromobility options we know communities want," she said. "The UK needs to wake up to the opportunity on the table in front of them and be more ambitious."
Gjerde highlighted that immediate legislation would have unlocked millions of pounds in investment for new markets, vehicles, and infrastructure, while improving access to jobs, education, and local high streets.
Industry Reaction
The national shared transport charity Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) described the omission as a significant blow that prolongs uncertainty and deters investment. This follows an open letter to the Prime Minister calling for the creation of a new powered light vehicle class to allow e-scooters and other e-mobility options on public roads.
Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said: "It is deeply frustrating that the government has failed to use the King's Speech to finally move to legalise e-scooters. The UK remains the only country in Europe that has not yet legalised them, and these continuing delays directly contradict the government's own goals for integrated transport."
Dilks added that the inaction condemns operators and local authorities to endless trials, holding back economic growth and denying people access to flexible, affordable, low-carbon transport. He stressed the need for new technical specifications and safety standards, as well as a mechanism to address illegally ridden private e-scooters. "The public, local authorities and operators desperately need clarity and direction. We urge the government to rethink its timeline and bring forward this vital legislation," he concluded.
