Electric scooters used in rental trials could have their speeds increased under new Transport for London plans, which could also reduce the age limit for riders.
E-scooter rental trials were first launched in the capital in June 2021, with Transport for London, London Councils and participating London boroughs to operate the schemes.
As part of rules from the Government, the maximum speed for an e-scooter is 15.5mph, while users are required to have the category Q entitlement on their driving licence.
This dictates that people can drive two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles without pedals with an engine size not more than 50cc if powered by an internal combustion engine and a maximum design speed of no more than 25km/h (15.5mph).
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
However, The Telegraph reports that Transport for London has considered a "speed increase" for the powered vehicles in the capital.
Rental vehicles in the capital are locked at a speed of 12.5mph, although a report from London Councils suggests that TfL wants to raise the limit to 15.5mph.
The report also states that TfL is considering reducing the age limit for all e-scooter manufacturers in the trial to just 16, as long as the user has a provisional licence.
Lime requires users of its rental electric scooters to be at least 18, while Voi has a lower age limit of just 16.
Rental e-scooters are currently available for hire in Camden, City of London, Ealing (east of the borough only), Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Tower Hamlets (limited parking at Canary Wharf and some TfL stations) and Westminster.
Transport for London states that the two operators - Lime and Voi - were chosen for an "open and competitive process to assess their ability to meet strict safety requirements and high operating standards".
The latest Department for Transport data from 2022 reported that 1,402 collisions involved e-scooters - a slight increase compared to the 1,352 accidents the year prior.
In 2022, 12 people were killed in collisions involving e-scooters (11 of whom were e-scooter riders) compared to 10 in 2021.
Reacting to the proposals laid out, Sarah Gayton, from the blind campaigning charity NFBUK, said it was "insane" how fast e-scooters already are on roads.
She told The Telegraph: "Safety concerns are being ignored due to what appears to be pressure from e-scooter operators who are having too much influence on TfL policy.
“When will pedestrian safety and accessibility needs be prioritised? And why are blind, deaf-blind and visually impaired people’s safety not being considered?”
Current rules state that people are not allowed to carry e-scooters or e-unicycles on TfL services or in stations, even when folded.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Driving licence plans to ban motorists from carrying passengers gains support - 'Action should be taken'
- Major car brand offers unique return policy on new electric vehicle if a driver 'doesn't gel with EVs'
- Paris filling stations ban diesel sales as Mayor looks to slash speed limits and boost 'social justice'
Rental e-scooters have always been banned on TfL services as they cannot be folded, with people risking a fine of up to £1,000 if they do not comply.
TfL's e-scooter trial lead Helen Sharp said: "Safety is at the core of our e-scooter trial with London having high safety standards. We monitor and evaluate the performance of the trial and are continually looking for ways to make improvements.
"We have also considered increasing the speed limit to align with the national limit of 15.5mph but we will not be making a change to the trial’s maximum speed at this time."
Find Out More...