Tag Archive: united kingdom

  1. Bristol study links e-scooters to improved road safety as UK trial is extended

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    Source: Bristol Live

    The UK’s ongoing e-scooter trial has been extended once again, until May 2026, amid growing evidence that the vehicles may be making roads safer for cyclists. Originally launched in 2020 for a one-year period, the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) initiative has now seen four extensions, as officials continue to assess the implications of legalising e-scooters nationwide.

    One of the most significant developments in the debate comes from the University of Bristol, where researchers have found that the introduction of shared e-scooter schemes appears to reduce the risk of cycling collisions. The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, analysed police data from 2015 to 2023 and revealed a 20% decline in bicycle-related collisions in areas where e-scooter trials are active.

    Study findings

    The findings suggest that e-scooters may enhance safety on urban roads, possibly due to a “safety in numbers” effect. According to the researchers, the presence of more vulnerable road users—including cyclists and e-scooter riders—could lead to increased caution among drivers.

    “Although there have been similar findings from previous studies, this is the first natural experiment to look at micromobility ‘safety in numbers’. It gives stronger evidence than we have had before. Combining cycle and e-scooter collisions together did not change the results. This suggests that the reduction in bicycle collisions did not come at the cost of more e-scooter collisions,” says a spokesperson from the University of Bristol.

    Stakeholder perspectives

    The study has been welcomed by active travel advocates in Bristol. Brian O’Kelly, manager of Bristol Road Club, commented that motorists tend to adjust their behaviour when more cyclists and e-scooters are visible. Zoe Banks Gross, founder of East Bristol Kidical Mass, said the findings reinforce the case for dedicated micromobility infrastructure, such as segregated lanes and protected road space.

    Despite this positive research, concerns remain. Critics of the trial cite ongoing issues such as injuries sustained by e-scooter riders, fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, and the problem of pavement clutter, which can pose hazards to visually impaired pedestrians. These concerns are among the reasons why some trial areas have opted out, either due to local opposition or operational challenges faced by e-scooter providers.

    Current road law of e-scooters in the UK

    Currently, only rental e-scooters within authorised trial zones are legal to use on public roads in the UK. Privately owned e-scooters remain banned on roads, pavements, and cycle paths. The DfT is yet to make a final decision on their broader legalisation, with several options on the table—from a complete ban to introducing new regulations for private ownership akin to those governing mopeds.

    As the trial continues, researchers and policymakers alike will be watching closely to determine whether e-scooters could form a safe, sustainable component of the UK’s future transport landscape.

  2. UK government rejects proposed e-bike regulation changes amid industry opposition

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    Source: Cycling Industry News

    The recent consultation period on changing two key areas of e-bike regulations in the UK has come to a close, with no change to the 250W power output limit, or to allow ‘twist and go’ throttle assistance up to 15.5mph (25km/h) without the need for type approval.

    In early 2024, the UK government initiated a consultation proposing significant changes to e-bike regulations, including increasing the maximum continuous motor power from 250W to 500W, and permitting throttle assistance up to 15.5 mph without the need for pedalling. These proposals were met with substantial opposition from key industry bodies, notably the Bicycle Association (BA) and the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT).

    Industry concerns

    The BA and ACT outlined several concerns regarding the proposed changes:

    Unnecessary Alteration: They argued that the existing regulations function effectively, with ample potential for market growth as evidenced in other countries. They emphasised that enhancing e-bike adoption would be better achieved through improved cycling infrastructure and financial incentives to address affordability, rather than altering technical specifications.

    Safety and Regulatory Risks: The organisations highlighted that increasing motor power and allowing throttle use without pedalling could blur the distinction between e-bikes and mopeds. This shift might lead to calls for moped-like regulations, such as mandatory insurance, registration, and helmet use, potentially diminishing the appeal of e-bikes. Additionally, there were concerns about the safety implications of more powerful and heavier e-bikes sharing cycle lanes.

    Inappropriate Approach: The BA and ACT contended that the proposals did not offer a sustainable framework for emerging micromobility options. They have advocated for the introduction of new vehicle categories, like 500W throttle-assisted e-bikes or e-scooters, under a comprehensive Low-speed Zero Emission Vehicle (LZEV) framework, leaving the current Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations largely unchanged.

    Following the consultation, the government acknowledged the concerns raised by these stakeholders and decided not to proceed with the proposed changes. As a result, the existing e-bike regulations remain in effect, maintaining the classification of e-bikes as bicycles rather than mopeds, and preserving their associated regulatory benefits.