01.07.20
Councils given new powers to fast track e-scooter trials
This weekend (July 4) will see trials of rental e-scooters permitted in local areas thanks to new regulations and powers given to local authorities.
Announced by Transport Minister Rachel Maclean, the 12-month trials will allow people to commute to work or ride for leisure on roads, cycle lanes and tracks.
The announcement came with published guidance, covering eligibility and trial requirements, vehicle design, and rules for users.
E-scooter users will not be permitted on pavements, will have a 15.5mph limit and are recommended to wear a helmet.
Aims of the trial include understanding whether the e-scooters could reduce motor traffic, as well as assessing safety for users and others.
Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said:
“As we emerge from lockdown, we have a unique opportunity in transport to build back in a greener, more sustainable way that could lead to cleaner air and healthier communities across Great Britain.
“E-scooters may offer the potential for convenient, clean and cost-effective travel that may also help ease the burden on the transport network, provide another green alternative to get around and allow for social distancing. The trials will allow us to test whether they do these things.”
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Only scooters from the rental schemes will be covered by the regulations, to avoid poor-quality, individually owned scooters taking to the roads.
Ongoing collaboration between Government, industry and local authorities will help to develop a plan for the controlled introduction of e-scooters in cities, towns and rural areas across the country.
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