Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) has written to the Prime Minister demanding urgent new laws for electric scooters. The UK remains the only European country that has not yet legalised e-scooters, despite repeated government promises to do so 'when parliamentary time allows'.
Call for Powered Light Vehicle Class
The letter, organised by CoMoUK, calls for the creation of a new powered light vehicle class that would grant e-scooters and other e-mobility devices legal access to public roads. In an open letter to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, the organisation warned that ongoing delays are having a 'significant adverse impact on investment' and denying people access to flexible, affordable, low-carbon transport.
Impact on Shared E-Scooters
The letter states: 'Shared e-scooters are a popular part of the micromobility landscape in many countries around the world. The UK is the only country in Europe that has not yet legalised e-scooters. The current limiting of lawful e-scooter use to Government trials in selected English local authorities is holding back the potential of shared e-scooters to support economic growth and improve people's lives across the UK.'
CEO's Warning
Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said: 'The UK stands alone in Europe by failing to legalise e-scooters, and these continuing delays directly contradict the government’s own goals for integrated transport. We know from the trials that shared e-scooters are a key part of the system in the areas where they operate, with 44 per cent of users combining rides with public transport.'
Opportunity for Integration
Dilks added: 'There is a huge opportunity for integration with local bus services and Great British Railways, but this potential simply cannot be realised under current legislation. The government has already committed to acting on this, which is welcome, but it is time to end the delays and provide the clarity and direction that the public, local authorities and operators so desperately need.'
