September 2026:
E-scooters are a common sight in Nottingham. Many are rented under the government pilot scheme and their use is legal in the city. The use of other e-scooters except on private land is not legal.
Critics point out that they are dangerous and can injure pedestrians, the law is contradictory, the hired ones are often left in heaps on pavements, they can go up to 40mph, and are sometimes used by more than one rider. There is no conclusion after 6 years of trials, scant data on seizures or prosecution for illegal use, and that there is a lack of debate about what should be done.
Others note that they are popular, easy to use and maintain, there are plenty of charging stations, they generate only low noise and emit no harmful gases.
A recent survey revealed that most users are urban, male, young, and well-educated. Attitudes varied by age, with 69% of over 50s deeming them dangerous, compared to 50% of under 50s. Nearly half of over 50s said they should be legalised compared to 29% of under 50s.
E-scooters are used more abroad, with the highest take-up rate in Norway, where they are used by almost a quarter of the population. The regulations are clear; the maximum speed is 12 mph, helmets are mandatory for under 15s and recommended for all users, they cannot be used by under 12s, and are must follow the same traffic rules as bicycles. There use in common in major cities, where commuters use them for the first and last mile of their journeys.
The group concluded that the current situation in the UK was unsatisfactory but that it would be possible to legalise their use within appropriate rules.
We next meet on Wednesday 14th October to discuss Japan.
John Buglear