The UK government will re-examine laws governing electric scooters following the first fatality involving an e-scooter in London, according to an announcement made on Friday.
The victim was riding a privately-owned electric scooter, which are currently illegal to operate on public roads and pavements in the UK. The government has launched rental e-scooter trials in select cities, but these involve speed limits, age limits, and insurance requirements.
In response to the fatal crash, the government stated it will work alongside police, local authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure e-scooters are used responsibly. The review will weigh the environmental, transport, and public health benefits of e-scooters against road safety and enforcement challenges.
E-scooters are seen by some as an eco-friendly transportation alternative, especially during the pandemic. However, they also create issues around rider safety, accessibility for disabled people, and lack of regulation around private use.
As part of the review, the government will look at evidence from the ongoing e-scooter rental trials and consider how to balance these factors to create a safe, responsible legal framework for electric scooters going forward.