King’s Speech omission leaves e-Scooter industry in limbo

The UK micromobility industry says it has once again been ‘left disappointed’ after the King’s Speech made no mention of legislation for e-scooters.

E-scooters remain illegal for private use on UK public roads and are only permitted through government-backed rental trials operated by companies like Voi, Lime and Dott.

What began as a national trial in July 2020 remains ongoing, having now been extended for a fifth time until May 2028.

Sustainable mobility news site Zag Daily says last year appeared to mark a turning point for the sector when the government signalled its intention to introduce regulation covering e-scooters, delivery robots and other forms of last-mile transport.

The sector had been watching the speech closely for signs that those plans would finally move forward. However, the speech failed to deliver on industry hopes, Zag Daily adds.

In a comment to Zag Daily, a DfT spokesperson said: “We are taking a careful, evidence-led approach – with our national trial and international regulation assessments due later this year.

“We will also consult on detailed e-scooter regulation proposals over the next year and look to legislate as soon as Parliamentary time allows.”

Voi, which operates e-scooters in several towns and cities across England, is one operator that expressed disappointment at the absence of legislation from the King’s Speech announcement.

“The UK has made a decision to fall behind other European countries when it comes to micromobility,” said Christina Moe Gjerde, VP of Northern Europe at Voi.

Alice Pleasant, Senior Public Affairs Manager at Lime, said that the UK’s e-scooter trials have “already demonstrated” public demand.

“There needs to be standardised regulation so that operators, local authorities and riders alike can reap the benefits of e-scooters while ensuring they are safe, accessible and well integrated into the wider transport network,” she said.