E-scooters are gaining popularity in the UK, but their use remains illegal except on private land.

The Department for Transport is exploring the possibility of legalizing e-scooters and has launched rental trials in various locations.

E-scooters are seen as a low-cost, accessible, and environmentally friendly alternative to cars, but the focus should be on replacing short car journeys rather than walking or cycling.

Rental e-scooter trials should be accessible to a wide range of people and conducted in diverse locations. Speed limits should be determined locally, and pavement use should be discouraged.

The government should monitor potential issues with e-scooters being left on pavements as street clutter and address environmental concerns related to the scooters' lifespan and battery charging processes.

Subject to certain conditions, the report suggests that the Department for Transport should legalize the use of privately owned e-scooters on roads and cycle lanes within the next 18 months.

“Subject to the conditions we outline in this Report being met, we believe that the Department should take swift action to legalise the use of privately owned e-scooters on roads and cycle lanes. We would expect this to take place within the next 18 months.”

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