Britons have urged Labour to introduce stricter regulations for electric scooters after a groundbreaking petition, which gained thousands of signatures, demanded urgent action.
The petition, launched by Carly Calland, called for comprehensive reforms, including prohibiting sales to anyone under 18 years old.
It has already gathered momentum, reaching 10,700 signatures as public frustration mounts over safety concerns about e-scooters.
The petition also demands mandatory licensing, insurance requirements, and compulsory safety gear, including helmets for all riders, which, under current rules, is not necessary.
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GETTY | The Department for Transport is expected to launch a consultation on rule changes for e-scooters this year
Additional measures sought include a complete prohibition on carrying passengers and harsher penalties for those who violate e-scooter regulations or enable such violations.
While the petition waits for a Government response, Ministers are currently preparing comprehensive reforms to address the frustration over electric vehicles.
Transport officials are reportedly looking to develop proposals that would fundamentally alter how e-scooters operate across the UK.
The planned measures include setting a minimum age requirement of 14 years for users and implementing speed restrictions limiting devices to 12.5 miles per hour.
TFL | Thousands of e-scooters have been used in criminal activitiesA registration system featuring licence plates would enable authorities to identify riders and track violations more effectively.
Officials are also considering mandatory training programmes comparable to driving licence requirements. Insurance obligations remain under consideration, though ministers have expressed worries about potentially excessive premium costs deterring legitimate users.
A Government source told GB News: "Successive Conservative Governments dragged their feet while a black market of e-scooters has been allowed to take over our streets.
"This Government will act where the Tories failed to do so - legislating to crack down on illegal use to make our streets safe and accessible for everyone."
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The need for more measures follows a report by Lancashire Police, which recently confiscated 56 unauthorised electric bikes, motorcycles, scooters and modified bicycles in Blackpool.
The seizures occurred during Operation Centurion, a countywide initiative addressing anti-social behaviour linked to illegal vehicle use. Officers utilised newly acquired specialist motorcycles equipped with sirens and lights to access previously unreachable areas.
Roads Policing Inspector Dean Skelton shared: "We are seeing an increase in the use of illegal bikes and scooters in criminal activity such as drug dealing.
"This operation is not about taking away someone's mode of transport; it is about keeping the rider and members of the public safe, as well as hindering criminals who use these bikes as a mode of transport."
LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE | The police seized e-scooters and e-bikes during an operation this week
The safety risks posed by e-scooters have become increasingly apparent, with elderly and visually impaired pedestrians particularly affected by riders illegally using pavements or abandoning vehicles on walkways.
Modified scooters capable of reaching 70 miles per hour have emerged as a significant concern, far exceeding safe operational speeds.
Criminal networks have also increasingly adopted these vehicles for illegal activities, exploiting their quiet operation and the absence of registration plates.
The Department for Transport intends to launch public consultations on the proposed regulations when Parliament returns from recess in September, according to Government sources.
Following this consultation period, Ministers will aim to introduce legislation addressing the regulatory gaps that have allowed approximately one million privately owned devices to operate illegally on UK roads.