Comments Off on CoMoUK publishes Report on Shared E-scooter Trials in England 2023
CoMoUK, an organisation and charity promoting the social, economic and environmental benefits of shared transport, has published its report on three years of e-scooter trials in England.
The charity shared, “We come to a number of recommendations, leading with the need for legislation. The trials have clearly proved popular in a sustained way and our work brings new insights into the trials, which have now been running for almost three years.”
“Our report is here and results from data gathering from operators and dialogue with all stakeholders. We look forward to delving further into the dynamics of shared e-scooters in future work and have written to transport minister to further press the case for legislation to make e-scooters legalisation via creating a new low emission powered light vehicle class.”
The report covers a wide range of topics and considerations, with trials totalling 2.3 million users and current e-scooter fleet numbers standing at over 24,000. Recommendations are given in the following seven areas: Communication, Infrastructure, Legislation, Stop treating e-scooters as cars, Procurement, Parking and Technology.
CoMoUK holds a monthly forum for authorities working on or interested in shared e-scooter trials, with the most recent one having just taken place on Monday 15th May. Interested parties may email Antonia@como.org.uk to express their interest in joining.
With a current combined fleet of 21,000 scooters in the streets in the Brussels region, a draft decision aims to cut these down to 8,000 and limit the number of operators to 2
The Brussels government wants to allow a maximum of 8,000 shared scooters in the capital’s streets from next year, vrt reports. With the number currently standing at 21,000, this equates to a reduction of more than 60%. The proposal comes in the form of a draft decision that the government has approved at second reading. From 2024, the government also wants only 2 distributors of shared scooters in the capital. Additionally, there be limits on other shared vehicles, such as bicycles and cargo bikes.
To combat wild parking, the principle of “drop zones” will be extended to the entire territory of the capital region from January. Scooters will only be allowed to be left behind in those zones. The government also wants heavier fines, or levies for the movement or removal of a vehicle that is left behind, outside of these drop zones. If that is not sufficient, it cannot be ruled out that a strict ban will be introduced at a later stage. This was already stated in parliament a few weeks ago by Minister of Mobility Elke Van den Brandt (Green).
Last autumn, Van den Brandt presented the draft decision to regulate the market for shared scooters and bicycles in Brussels. Since then, there has been extensive consultation with, among others, the municipalities and police zones. The draft decree still has to be submitted to the Council of State before the government can start a third and final reading.
Electric drive folding bikes are now included, for the first time, in a subsidy initiated by the Ministry of Climate Protection, in cooperation with the sports retail trade. Private individuals, companies, clubs and communities may now benefit from funding up to 600 Euros (450 Euros via the Ministry of Climate Protection and 150 Euros from the sports retail trade) towards folding electric or non-electric bikes, plus one bicycle service. Live since March 1 of this year, the initiative aims to make cycling more attractive to a wider group of riders, especially where folding e-bikes are more adaptable to multi-modal and public transportation. Indeed, for private individuals to be eligible for the subsidy, they need to show possession of an annual ticket for public transit. The folding bike itself must also be under 110 x 80 x 40cm folded.
Austria has seen further regulatory developments this month in the form of an announced overhaul of e-scooter regulations in Vienna. The main change will see the city set up 200 designated parking spaces for electric scooters, making it impossible to end your ride unless you park in an official space. The move is intended to better control pavement parking, and parking spaces will be situated on the road, next to WienMobil bike stations. Sites can park 8 to 10 scooters and there will be a parking ban with a radius of 100 metres around them. Outside of these stations, riders are instructed to park between cars.
Vienna already enacted a 500 scooter cap in its central zone and a 1,500 cap in districts 2 through 9 and 20, and in the future intends to designate red zones around hospitals, markets and other hotspots, where scooters will not work and parking violations will be enforced.
Launched at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the new E300SE from LEVA-EU member Segway boasts a top 105km/h speed, range capacity of 130km and all for less than 5,000 €.
Following a range of electric scooters that do not require a license, Segway have now entered the 125 market with the E300SE, based upon the same design as the E110SE but with more advanced engineering.
10 kw maximum power.
Segway’s new electric moped is powered by a rear wheel motor from QS Motor, producing 10 kW of peak power (7.8 kW nominal) via 5 operating modes. The E300SE reaches 50 km/h from a standing start in 2.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 105 km/h, thanks to rear wheel torque of 200 Nm.
Three battery capacity.
Housed on the lower part of the moped, the Segway E300SE has two 2 kWh batteries as standard, 74V – 27 Ah, allowing range between 85km and 130km. An additional battery can be added to bring the total capacity to 6 kWh. This arrangement allows 37 litres and 27 litres of storage respectively. Each battery can be removed and recharged in just three hours from household power supplies.
The Segway E300SE is also equipped with connected functionalities and a remote update device, and showcases ABS disc brakes on the front and rear 12-inch wheels. With this set up, the model can transport two passengers.
Less than 5,000 €.
The E300SE is due for launch on the market in May. The moped is one of the cheapest in its class at only 4,790 € for the two-battery version, or 5,990 € for the version with additional battery. Offered prices may be lower depending on market and national incentives.
LEVA-EU member Segway-Ninebot is expanding its range of electric scooters in 2023, from entry-level to advanced models.
The Sino-American brand presented its new range at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, where their 125 electric scooter, the Segway E300SE took stage with other models.
G2 Max: an upscaled option
In comparison to the 2019 MAX G30, the new MAX G2 can boast more power and better performance. An integrated rear wheel motor that develops 900 watts of peak power, a double suspension system and a new 551 Wh battery, propel the scooter to 25 km/h and offers a certified alternative to the new Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Ultra. A supplementary feature is the integration with Apple’s “Find My” function, meaning the scooter can be easily located via a mobile phone.
The cost of the new Segway G2 is not yet announced, although prices are estimated to be around 1,000 €
Segway-Ninebot MAX G2
Segway-Ninebot MAX G30
Nominal Power
450W
350W
Peak Power
900W
700W
Max Speed
25km/h
25km/h
Battery
551Wh
551Wh
Maximum Range
50km
65km
Weight
24.3kg
19.9kg
A revisited F2 range
The F2 Series has also been redeveloped to address mid-range requirements. Comprising three models – F2, F2 Plus and F2 Pro – the updated models have a wider handlebar and integrated indicators.
Segway-Ninebot F2
Segway-Ninebot F2 Plus
Segway-Ninebot F2 Pro
Rated Power
400W
400W
450W
Peak Power
800W
800W
900W
Max Speed
25km/h
25km/h
25km/h
Battery
367 Wh
460 Wh
460 Wh
Maximum Range
40km
55km
55km
Weight
17.2kg
17.5kg
18.5kg
The developments are largely based around battery upgrades, where the basic models detail a pack of 367 Wh and the F2 Plus increases to 460 Wh. The F2 Pro, with upgrades to the front suspension and engine obtained from the G2, generates 900 watts of maximum power.
Segway E2: the entry level option
Two models in the E2 series are the latest low-cost offer from Segway, specifically designed for short journeys. The E2 showcases a 450 watt motor and a small 220 Wh battery that allow a single-charge journey of 25km and a 20km/h maximum speed. The E2 Plus has the same battery but a more powerful engine that delivers 25km/h.
“The laxity has lasted too long” says French Minister, following a surge in accidents.
Scooters in free circulation could be banned before the age of 14 or 16, according to a recent interview with Clément Beaune. The French Minister of Transport, compelled operators to, “act very quickly” to reduce road accidents, further commenting that legislations may be made if their reaction is lacking.
There is ongoing conflict over the introduction of scooters, and France’s latest national plan proposes strong measures to regulate their use with all of those involved, namely elected officials, associations and operators. Supportive comments from politicians and parents of children who had been involved in accidents were shared, to encourage changes from city officials who regulate in accordance with the 2019 law on mobility.
Some local authorities have struggled to impose regulations on operators, so a national structure is suggested. The state will take control of agendas and agree them with operators and communities alike. The tightening of two-person traffic controls is just one example.
Beaune finished his interview, commenting that if more regulation is needed, it will be enforced.
New tracker provides accurate information on 400 government incentives and subsidies for small electric vehicles in over 30 countries, allowing users to compare and choose preferences.
A ground-breaking new tool developed by Micromobility Industries and Ride Review, has been launched to aid individuals in the purchase of small electric vehicles, e-bikes, scooters and mopeds, for example. The Micromobility Global Incentives and Subsidy Tracker is a unique database of information on over 400 government directives from over 30 countries, detailing information on relevant regulations and policies, and links to each program on the government’s website. This allows users to compare and choose the best option for them.
With a focus on sustainability, health, enjoyment and cost-effective transport modes, small electric vehicles have surged in popularity in more recent years. The initial outlay remains the primary stumbling block for users, so any information on government incentives and subsidies that will encourage use and promote sustainability are essential.
James Gross, CEO of Micromobility Industries and Ride Review commented, “The first challenge is people don’t know these incentives might be available to them and the second challenge is that many government websites are hard to parse and understand. By providing a centralized database of information on incentives and subsidies for small electric vehicles, the tracker will help individuals make more informed decisions. It will also support policymakers and industry stakeholders in understanding the landscape of incentives and subsidies for small electric vehicles, and how they can be improved to better support sustainable mobility.”
Co-Founder of Micromobility Industries, Horace Dediu, declared, “The launch of the tracker is an important step forward for the micromobility industry as a whole. As more individuals, organizations and governments recognize the benefits of small electric vehicles for sustainable and cost-effective transportation, this tool will play a critical role in supporting their adoption and promoting micromobility around the world.”
About Micromoblity Industries and Ride Review
Micromobility Industries is a leading research and advisory firm focused on the micromobility industry. This includes ebikes, mopeds, scooters and other small electric vehicles. Micromobility is the fastest growing mode of transportation and the company organises large events and supplies media products like The Micromobility Landscape to the market. Tactical consulting, research and analysis are also offered to governments and organisations looking to explore the rapidly growing sector. See more at https://micromobility.io/ Ride Review is the largest collection of reviews from independent experts on small electric vehicles. You can see more at https://ridereview.com/https://ridereview.com/
Guidance set out for e-scooters and their riders including speed restrictions, age limits, and anti-tampering measurements
Brussels and London – A 20 km/h factory-set speed limit, larger wheels, a ban on passengers and pavement riding, compulsory helmets and a minimum age of 16. These are some of the recommendations set out in a new report on safer technical standards for e-scooters and safer e-scooter usage rules in Europe, published by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) and the UK Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS).
The report is in response to the rapid growth of e-scooter usage over the last five years, and an associated increase in deaths and serious injuries. It takes into account a wide body of available data, hospital studies, vehicle safety testing and research from across Europe and beyond.
The regulatory picture for e-scooters is currently mixed with considerable variations across Europe in rules on minimum age, maximum power and speed, use of helmets and other aspects. The report authors would like to see common technical standards for e-scooters and recommendations for their use harmonised as far as possible.
Among the recommendations from ETSC and PACTS are:
A minimum rider age of 16, or an age limit aligned with the minimum age for riding a moped;
Mandatory helmets, aligned with current rules in Denmark, Finland, Greece and Spain. Seven other
European countries require children to wear helmets;
A ban on riding with passengers, on pavements, while using a handheld mobile phone and under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
A factory-set speed limit of 20 km/h, aligned with current rules in Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland as well as a 250W power limit;
Anti-tampering measures to prevent use at unsafe speeds;
A minimum wheel size of 30.5 cm;
Independent front and rear brakes, lights, indicators, and an audible warning device.
While the report itself is limited to technical requirements and rules for riders, ETSC points out that many of its existing recommendations for safety improvements for vulnerable road users, such as 30 km/h speed limits, separated networks of cycle lanes, low traffic zones and higher levels of enforcement, will benefit all road users, including e-scooter users.
Commenting on the publication of the report, Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of the European Transport Safety Council said:
“E-scooters are now a common sight in European cities, but sadly so too are seriously injured e-scooter riders in hospitals. To break the link between the increased numbers of these vehicles, and the increased numbers of injuries, we need some sensible measures to keep riders and other road users safe.
“E-scooters can play a role in sustainable cities of the future, which must prioritise the safety of vulnerable road users, using modes of transport that are much less risky to other road users than cars, vans and lorries.”
“So while we think e-scooters should go at a safe speed, and their riders should wear helmets, it is also the responsibility of cities to put in place the kind of safe road environment, with a network of separate cycle lanes, and appropriate speed limits, that is essential to greater safety for all.”
PACTS Executive Director David Davies said:
“We are very pleased to work with ETSC on this report. E-scooters are a new mobility option in cities across Europe. In many countries, regulations are still catching up. PACTS and ETSC have set out the main safety implications for riders and pedestrians and the basic regulations needed for safe use.”
Micro-mobility for Europe (MMfE), the EU association for shared micromobility providers, has released a first-of-its-kind factsheet on incident data.
The factsheet (accessible here) combines incident data from the association’s six founding members: Bird, Bolt, Dott, Lime, Tier, and Voi. The association shared, “Our goal is to shed light on the debate around shared e-scooters safety by providing data in a transparent manner on the volume, severity of incidents, and their implications on the safety of road users. Ultimately, we hope these insights will help inform conversations and road safety policies in the EU that reduce incident risks for vulnerable road users, such as shared micro-mobility riders, and we are committed to continuing working closely with authorities to do so.“
Key findings, based on 240 million shared e-scooter trips:
When comparing 2021 to 2019, the risk of incidents that require medical attention has reduced by 60%.
In 2021, 5.1 injuries per million km travelled required medical assistance.
Fatality rates on shared e-scooters are thought to be about half those of private e-scooters.
Cyclists and shared e-scooter riders have a similar risk of fatal incidents. Shared e-scooter rider fatality risk is 20 times lower than that of moped riders.
The fatality risk for shared e-scooter use is 0.015 per 1 million km ridden.
The factsheet makes a range of recommendations aimed at improving road safety for vulnerable users, including shared e-scooter riders. It is recommended that there is an investment in safe infrastructure; that e-scooter riders are acknowledged as vulnerable road users; that there is further enforcement of traffic rules by local authorities; and that incident reporting standards are harmonised across Europe.
