Labour has been forced to respond to mounting public concerns about safety and illegal usage of e-scooters following a landmark petition demanding a change in regulation.
The campaign, initiated by Carly Calland, called on the Government to undergo comprehensive legislative changes to electric vehicles, including prohibiting sales to individuals under 18 years of age.
The petition advocated for mandatory licencing requirements, compulsory insurance coverage, and obligatory safety equipment, including helmets for all riders.
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Additional demands include banning passenger carrying and implementing stricter penalties for those who breach or enable breaches of e-scooter regulations.
Riders of e-scooters can be fined if caught using them outside trial areas | PASupporters argued that current regulations remain insufficient, with laws being routinely violated without adequate punishment, leading to increased collision rates.
The petition, which has received more than 15,000 signatures, highlighted concerns that e-scooters can currently be purchased by people of any age, creating potential risks when used by children.
The Government responded to the growing unrest and acknowledged that private e-scooters remain illegal for road use across all age groups under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Officials emphasised that retailers must clearly inform customers that e-scooters can only be operated on private land with landowner permission.
E-scooters can only be used in trial regions or on private property
| PAThe Department for Transport detailed how the DVSA Market Surveillance Unit conducted investigations into 46 suppliers during 2023-24, discovering non-compliance issues with 24 retailers.
It also found that 22 suppliers implemented corrective measures after contact, while two others removed non-compliant advertising following referral to the Advertising Standards Agency.
The transport authority shared: "The Government recognises that some e-scooters are not used in accordance with the law, and enforcement of illegal or dangerous use lies with the police.
"Enforcement of illegal and/or irresponsible e-scooter use is a matter for the police. Users can face fines and fixed penalty notices, criminal prosecution, points on their driving licence and have their e-scooter impounded."
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In the UK, current national trials of rental e-scooters are set to continue until May 2028, featuring speed limits of 15.5mph and requiring users to hold provisional or full driving licences. Trial operators must provide unlimited third-party liability insurance coverage.
Labour sources criticised previous Conservative administrations for failing to address the proliferation of illegal e-scooters on British streets. A Government insider told GB News that "Successive Conservative Governments dragged their feet while a black market of e-scooters has been allowed to take over our streets."
The source added: "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."
Ministers are currently developing comprehensive reform proposals that would fundamentally transform e-scooter operations nationwide. The planned measures include establishing a minimum user age of 14 years and implementing speed restrictions, capping devices at 12.5mph.
The police have been seizing illegal e-scooters and e-bikes
| LINCOLNSHIRE POLICEOfficials have also been considering a registration system featuring licence plates to enable authorities to identify riders and track violations more effectively.
Sources detailed how the Department for Transport intends to launch public consultations on proposed e-scooter regulations when Parliament reconvenes following the September recess.
Following the consultation period, Ministers aim to introduce legislation addressing regulatory gaps that have permitted approximately one million privately owned devices to operate illegally on UK roads.
Safety concerns have intensified as modified scooters capable of reaching 70mph have emerged, far exceeding safe operational speeds.