E-scooter riders could be forced to display licence plates, pass a test and have insurance under a proposed crackdown aimed at restoring order to the streets.
Other measures being drawn up by ministers include a minimum age for users and forcing manufacturers to limit their speed.
The aim is to tackle a black market of the ‘menace’ scooters which has seen some modified into vehicles almost as large as small motorbikes or turbocharged to go at speeds of up to 70mph.
The plans will be welcomed by police. Last year, the Mail revealed e-scooters were linked to more than 20,000 crimes over the previous three years, including drug trafficking, sex offences, thefts and even a ‘drive-by’ shooting.
They will also be applauded by road safety campaigners and disability charities, who have long warned that vulnerable people such as the elderly and blind have been mown down by yobs riding them on pavements or obstructed by them being left abandoned in the streets.
A Government source told the Mail: ‘E-scooters can be a great way to get around but they must be properly regulated, safe for pedestrians as well as riders and we must ensure they cannot clutter up our streets.’
Prominent road laws lawyer Nick Freeman, known as Mr Loophole, said the current law was effectively acting as an ‘open invitation to commit any form of offence and avoid detection’.
He added: ‘The delay to bringing in proper legislation is effectively giving the green light for e-scooters to be used to commit all forms of criminal activity. They’re stealth-like and there’s no registration plates so the police have very little chance of apprehending anyone. They’re a menace.
E-scooter riders could be forced to display licence plates, pass a test and have insurance under a proposed crackdown aimed at restoring order to the streets (File photo)
The aim of the ban is to tackle a black market of scooters which has seen some modified into vehicles almost as large as small motorbikes or turbocharged to go at speeds of up to 70mph (File photo)
‘E-scooters are subject to the Road Traffic Act 1988 but they don’t need registration and that’s the vital piece of the jigsaw that’s missing. It makes current legislation impotent. Licensing them and registering them is the start so that they’re treated like mopeds.’
The crackdown would target privately-owned e-scooters rather than those available to rent, as these already require proof of a driving licence and age. Privately-owned e-scooters are banned on roads.
But their use exploded during Covid and there are now thought to be as many as one million on the roads, meaning police effectively often turn a blind eye.
However, ministers believe legalising them while introducing tough laws around registration and licensing would make it easier for forces to pursue thugs using them for crimes or riding dangerously.
It is also hoped that introducing a basic test could improve safety, as young users currently jump on them without a driving licence or any knowledge of the roads.
Introducing mandatory ‘rider training’ will also be considered as will insurance although sources stressed this is unlikely to be adopted because of the sky-high cost of premiums (File photo)
According to Government sources, ministers will consult on a minimum age of 14 for using the scooters as some children use them to get to school.
Introducing mandatory ‘rider training’, akin to a driving licence for motorists, will also be considered as will insurance although sources stressed this is unlikely to be adopted because of the sky-high cost of premiums.
By contrast, insurance for e-scooters in countries such as Germany is available for as little as £20 a year.
Finally, ministers will look to force manufacturers into limiting their speed to 12.5mph.
Margaret Winchcomb, of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, said: ‘Bringing in long-promised legislation will mean the UK, now the last country in Europe lacking regulation, will be able to deal with the irresponsible sales of illegal vehicles to children and improve safety for all road users.’
