WITH over 30 local authorities across the UK weighing up the opportunity to extend and scale-up their electric scooter trials following an announcement by the Department of Transport, new research from TTC, the trusted training and compliance expert, suggests that consumer appetite for riding e-scooters for personal and business use is on the rise.[i] Over 50% of those surveyed said they would consider an e-scooter as an alternative mode of local transport.
Sustainability and environmental benefits were the main reasons respondents would like to use e-scooters, with one in three placing this as the most important factor in the decision. Avoiding traffic was the second most common reason, followed by saving time.
Alongside announcing new regulations that enable local authorities to request changes to the geography and fleet size of their e-scooter trials, the government also issued guidance on purchasing, charging and using e-scooters. However, TTC’s survey suggests that not enough emphasis is being placed on ensuring riders of rental scooters have the right skills and road safety knowledge to benefit from their availability.
One in two consumers expressed skills and safety concerns and one in four respondents said they would only consider using an e-scooter locally if they received road safety training. Furthermore, 19% would only scoot if they could use dedicated lanes – like cycle lanes. Most respondents (89%) felt e-scooter riders should be required to complete an assessment similar to the cycling proficiency test before being able to rent a scooter to ride on the road.
Jim Kirkwood, CEO of TTC commented, “E-scooters provide a great way to get around towns and cities without relying on crowded public transport or polluting cars. However, many people are put off from taking advantage of rental schemes because they do not feel ready or safe to scoot on the road. With interest growing, a lack of experience and knowledge is a simple roadblock to remove via dedicated training that boosts rider confidence.
“Courses are readily available to support individuals in gaining the skills and knowledge required to ride safely and confidently on the road. Local authorities and businesses can offer these courses to increase the use of zero emissions mobility for local journeys without putting personal and business use riders at risk. While local authority trials continue across the UK, we hope to see consideration given to implementing an e-scooter proficiency test or mandatory training course for new e-scooter riders. This could boost take-up by giving riders confidence, whilst keeping all road users safe.”
They are a nightmare, they are not taxed, insured and people of ANY age are riding them on footpaths at breakneck speeds without any kind of consideration for pedestrians, there are no rules or regulations, they are silent killers, l have seen them zooming through pedestrian town centres no lights, no warnings, they are no better the mini motorbikes (at least you can hear motor bikes) which were banned in the eighties. Put them on the road okay, there should be a licence test, road tax and insurance, but keep them OFF footpaths They are as powerful as a 50cc motor scooter, which you have to have a licence, pass a test, tax and insurance, otherwise its a free for all.