E-scooter trials: Guidance for local authorities and e-scooter rental operators

Due to Covid19, we’re being encouraged to use alternative forms of transport. One of the options favoured by the government is e-scooters. In fact, the government has allowed trials of e-scooters to take place, as long as they are rented from a licenced operator. At first glance, their introduction seems like a good idea. They’re environmentally friendly, get you from A to B quickly and travelling solo on your snazzy scooter means you are less exposed to catching Covid-19 on packed public transport.

The problem is that the government has approved the use of e-scooters which are faster, heavier and have greater acceleration than in other European countries. They’re also almost impossible to hear, which is putting blind and partially sighted people at real risk of injury.

 

The Solution

A number of sight loss charities, including Thomas Pocklington Trust, have produced guidance for both local authorities and e-scooter operators considering taking part in the trials to raise the issues.

 

The guidance includes:

• Advice on safe parking of e-scooters
• The use of Bluetooth beacons or geofencing to monitor and/or prevent riding on pavements
• Tips for providing accessible and reliable infrastructure
• Raising awareness on the safe driving of e-scooters.

 

Download advice for e-scooter operators participating in rental e-scooter trials

Download advice for local authorities considering hosting e-scooter trials

Publication date: 15 October 2020