E-Scooter Discussion and the Law

[@andrewmorgan1819]

I rode a trial scooter in Bristol recently, with a little advice from a young lady nearby. You simply download the app, setup an account and scan the barcode. The scooter unlocked and I was away. I had more trouble ending the ride as it kept telling me I couldn't leave it next to twenty others. Legalise them up to twenty miles per hour, with a 500 watt motor and thumb throttle, it is easier to slow down using the regen, limit them to bike lanes and road use only. Tier the use on age similar to mopeds and motorcycles and most importantly, teach people, including children, how to ride them, like the old cycling proficiency test. As someone else said, they would be perfect for travelling to a railway or bus route and then onto your final destination.

[@noimnotarobotcanubeleiveit7024]

for legal purposes, 'trial' means operated for profitable hire by big corporations who probably dont even pay tax, unless you count bribing MPs

[@Farweasel]

You can sneer BUT Have you *any* idea how much it costs to bribe MPs? 🤑

[@Farweasel]

You can sneer BUT Have you *any* idea how much it costs to bribe MPs? 🤑

[@jefbiggs1583]

Exactly

[@Saxonpod]

Spot on!

[@triviabuff5682]

As a driver, I think that the scooters need lighting. In particular, rear lighting at a level where the lights would be in the eye line of a driver behind the scooter. That could be done by mounting a light at the rider's waist height, or by insisting on high visibility garments with reflective strips.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

I agree. None of this can be done without more specific legislation. It's about time we allowed regulated eScooters for those who require an eco-friendly transport solution.

[@implodabubble]

I saw a very good escooter rider recently, riding it as if it was a bicycle on the road. He had lights on the escooter, which like you have said is very low, but he also had a helmet on which had a light on the front and on the back. Helped me spot him early and helped me see when he was turning his head. It would be good to see something as basic and relatively cheap as this be sent out with every escooter sold.

[@Thurgosh_OG]

@@FatNorthernBigot They might be 'eco-friendly' in use but production and destruction are really eco-nasty. So cleaner air at the cost of polluted earth and water.

[@jimbalshaw7347]

they should not be anywhere near a road

[@andremartin8169]

Taur e scooters came up with a very good idea they have a projection light mounted on the rear Midgard that projects a light up your back, this will work even better if you have a hi Viz jacket on.

[@mrLoftladder]

I live in a large town that is NOT part of these trial schemes yet they are everywhere, often on the pavements and ridden by 12-15-year-olds with little to no care for pedestrians and way faster than 15mph. We need legislation, requirements and enforcement now, not in 2-4 years' time.

[@andrewhopkinson2503]

According to gov.uk you need a driving licence with category Q entitlement. So the 12-15 year olds are breaking the law.

[@MrNegativecreep07]

Problem is, the type of people who are breaking the law to use them now won't care about legislation

[@FatNorthernBigot]

@@MrNegativecreep07 That isn't an argument against legislation, though. I'm sure drug users don't care about legislation, should be repeal the drug laws? Actually, maybe we should, I've just negated my own argument.

[@Cat10980]

@@FatNorthernBigot That’s also the argument against legislation of any sort.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

@@Cat10980 Indeed, which is why it's not an argument against legislation for eScooters, specifically. If that makes sense. (I've yet to have my first coffee of the day, I'll get back to you)😂

[@TheLaughingdonkey]

I've been working on the mechanics, electronics & testing on range of stand-on scooters in the 90's and 00's, the optional versions with pedals and seats back then were essentially legal ebikes before the ebike laws changed to pedal assist only. From hard experience, nowadays I wouldn't ride one unless it has bigger wheels&suspension to cope with potholes. I feel automatic lighting, brake lights, indicators, disk brakes and a helmet should be mandatory. The current trials seem to fall short of much of these, though the mandatory lighting on the Bristol scooter trials makes them more visible than the almost 100% of cyclists who don't use lights at night in that city. I tried a full size type-approved electric moped and I found the insurance, tax & MOT made it as expensive as a car to run. I feel it important to promote clean versatile transport for everyone regardless of how much money they have and hope that sensible solutions are found soon. In the mean time, currently e-bikes have infinitely better road handling and there isn't a lot that an illegal scooter can do that a small folding legal ebike can't.

[@tomcafolla]

In Spain they are legal ..only 14 years or older permitted to ride escooters. Not Allowed on sidewalks or pedestrian areas, must wear a crash Helmut, and use cycle lanes where possible.

[@adrianacounsel5903]

As far as I'm concerned, the main reason the UK won't legalise them at the moment is because the government cannot make money off them. To say its due to accidents and speed is just an excuse. Bicycles far exceed that speed and there are many more accidents on them yet they are perfectly legal, with no test or licence required. In Washington dc and many places in America they have electric scooters and bikes parked up at several points, that you pay to unlock and use, then park it back up when you are finished.

[@GK_Imagimotion]

Trials = private companies can earn money renting you a scooter. Looks like riding them is perfectly legal if you are part of the scam.

[@stig350]

These things have been legal in the e.u for years. Its about time our government grew up and let us the public decide if we want them or not.

[@JudeTheYoutubePoopersubscribe]

I don't see why they can't legalise them the same as e-bikes. Up to 15.5mph for ordinary people then more powerful ones allowed if people done a cbt

[@Pablo-tw7tt]

Just back from Brugge last week, eBikes, e Scooters and Segways in common use on THE ROADS. They are a great idea as long as they have a registration plate, are not allowed to be used by kids and DEFINITELY NOT ALLOWED ON PUBLIC FOOTPATHS. That is the real problem.

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Absolutely agree

[@clivewilliams3661]

Was this a trial or a permanent application?

[@Pablo-tw7tt]

@@clivewilliams3661 Most of Europe seems to have had this sorted for years.

[@clivewilliams3661]

@@Pablo-tw7tt Thank you, then maybe we ought to follow the EU's position. If the systems are sorted then there will be a CofC for use in EU that like those for cars etc can be translated across to UK and make licensing easier.

[@radman8321]

@@clivewilliams3661 Wash your mouth out. Don't you know that everything the EU does is terrible and proud British people don't want to follow rules, particularly ones devised by forriners!

[@mbontekoe3358]

It is a recurring point here, INSURANCE - in Europe we are compelled to have public liability insurance, which covers me and my family for any damage I (we) may incur whilst (E) cycling for example, if my child kicks his football through a neighbours window , or a tree on my land falls on said neighbours greenhouse - etc etc It is one single policy for all eventualities and actually not so expensive and it saves lots of hassle.

[@pinkunwizard]

I gave up waiting for the govt to act and have gone back to driving everywhere. I used mine as a disability aid as I detest those mobility scooter things. Not much good for the environment but the govt doesn't seem to fussed about that so why should I.

[@lesscotford1419]

I'm 62 years old an have just bought a new eskoot to commute to work 6 mornings a week and find that if you ride on pavement simply give way to foot traffic, prams, wheelchair etc at a decent speed with warning your coming I've had no trouble with the public at all so far. An please don't think these(the govt) are about safety

[@lesscotford1419]

They are just looking at the finance side of things tax, insurance, mot, blah blah. Skoots are perfect for work an play. Ride safe.

[@notsohairybiker]

So, I can say that my scooter is just a trial and I can therefore drive it? Do I need to be a council? Do I need to be a company? How do I start my own scheme? There is no trial to drive these around Warwick university yet they are allowed not only on the uni roads but also the surrounding PUBLIC roads.

[@tonyblake642]

I am 52 and would quite like one because I am too lazy to walk. It really annoys me to see people traveling on them whilst it is are not legal.

[@andremartin8169]

I think if it was not for the amount of people that are riding them illegally, they would not be even considering leagalising them it's only because they can see how popular they are that they started the trials. Yes they need to be regulated ASAP before to many more un safe scooters are on the road. Maximum speed, Maxim power, proper braking, indecators, lights etc and hold a driving licence and passed your theory test at least to show you know the rules of the road and you are hopefully at a responsible age.

[@madskier50]

Just get one. You won't regret it. I haven't

[@lesscotford1419]

Under 250 quid gets you an aovo Pro 350watt motor, use Klarna an they split it into 3 payments of just over 80quid. Pay the first to get skoot then 2 months to settle up. Can't go wrong, be with you in a week.

[@renegade-master29]

​@dougaldouglas8842lol 😅

[@001razz]

I got mine in the summer and love it. Ride past cops and they are not to bothered.

[@SplicedSerpents]

These types of electric vehicles make a lot more sense than electric cars. An electric car uses most of its energy to move the battery. Scooters use almost all of the energy to move the rider.

[@Bitsforboats]

Don’t electric scooters also have heavy batteries? 🤷‍♂️

[@brendon6589]

Micro electric transport IS THE FUTURE. I commute everyday on a onewheel, it’s changed my world. The one thing I can say that you never mentioned is safety gear. When I see people on these scoots with no helmet I basically just see an organ donar with a countdown timer in their back… people underestimate how dangerous these things are… seriously. Please wear a helmet.

[@pleasuresofthedamned5245]

What happens if you hit a mother, child and pram at 20+ miles an hour.. Your helmet is not going to save them all! You yourself might feel safe but it's too dangerous for pedestrians to share the roads and pavements and pathways with these deadly vehicles.

[@patriottothecore6215]

Nah don’t persuade them to wear safety gear. We need more organ donors.

[@leathleyg5995]

Not MY future thank you...!

[@eppixx]

​@@Pwilli-hs6yi hope your mate recovers well. But I'm missing the point here... Are you saying he would have been better off not paying attention while riding a petrol motorcycle?? Why blame the scooter? 🤔

[@Liam-si5lx]

@@pleasuresofthedamned5245 I think I've worked out previously that PLEV's going under 30mph have the same kinetic energy as a car traveling under 3mph. In the real world should someone get hit by a PLEV rider it will do little more than knock them over.

[@MW3OPTIC]

I have a E scooter top speed is about 25mph I ride on pavements at 10 or under mph and I'm in my late 20s I've owned the scooter for awhile now never had a accident of any kind and I've had compliments on the scooter I live in a small town not near any big city and when people are coming towards me I usually stop and let them past or ride real slow past them there should be things in place to make them safer increase the age to ride faster scooters and also bring out some form of safety class like a CBT for motorbikes but one for scooters 🤔 and yes it's 1000% rider fault all the safe riders like me are basically being punished because the unsafe riders

[@barrymurton8988]

Class 3 mobility scooters are permitted, at 8mph, on the road and on pavements if they can be restricted to 4mph. They also have to have a road tax but this is zero rated, at the moment. I don’t believe there is any requirement for insurance but my wife always did and it is readily available!

[@pepermintpilot1694]

I have a Solar Scooter FF Pro. As an ex-biker, with over 30yrs experience, I ride with a full face helmet and other protection. I was going to write a piece to justify them but reconsidered due to the "hate" most people have for them. Sufice to say I enjoy riding mine. Love your video's however. Keep it up.

[@wilkosproductionsmusic8808]

I have the solar p1 pro, beast of a scooter. top speed 50mph. you still enjoying yours?

[@philarma9194]

Being a motorbike and car driver escooters are going to be here for a while, yet the lack of rider training is an issue. Legislative guidance for maintenance and insurance will be difficult, but a minimum training for riders would be good. A CBT course similar to early access moped riding should be enforceable along with a minimum of wearing a helmet, lights on the scooter. A switch to limit to 5mph for when not in cycle lanes could also possibly be used

[@terryhayward7905]

Way back in the dark ages, we used to have cycling training at school, of course back then we actually had freedom to go outside to play as long as the street lights were not on. The one thing that America got right is drivers ed. We need it in the UK, only not for cars, but for scooters and e-bikes.

[@andy0175]

Could they use the same switch found on motorcycles that limits them to 70mph on a motorway and 60 on a single carriageway?

[@funkycowie]

If they were legalised, the riders need to be road aware, therefore they must do training to the equivalent of riding a petrol scooter if they are going to be used on the roads.

[@shady8479]

@funkycowie This I agree with.

[@Paul__Allen]

Aw come on. They go what, 15MPH?. Cyclist don't need to have training

[@VulcanDriver1]

Insurance, MOTs, minimum age to use them, Vehicle Duty, registration plates and driving licence. These are motorised vehicles as the BBB said.

[@VulcanDriver1]

@@Paul__Allen just checked on Google. 40mph electric scooters are being sold in the UK as Christmas presents.

[@edeledeledel5490]

@@VulcanDriver1 Cyclists can go far faster, with none of these restrictions; are you suggesting they should be brought in for cyclists as well?

[@Cat10980]

Interesting that they are widely sold, yet illegal on (most) public roads. Not really for me, I live 56 miles from work. 3h50ish minutes commute for a 4am start isn’t going to work.

[@oddball7483]

CHANGE your place of employment and spend your travel time and costs, living a better quality of life. What you are doing is NOT WORTH IT. Less is more ONE LIFE LIVE IT.

[@jusalii]

What aircraft are you flying ?

[@DavidFraser007]

An e-bike is power assisted, you still need some manual power to turn the crank. E-scooters are just electrically powered skateboards.

[@Equiluxe1]

They should be classified as a motor bike or moped depending on power and speed along with the requisite driving licences, insurance and lighting, number plates etc. Even cycles must have reflectors and lights these E scooters at present so not. Even the wifes mobility scooter has to be licenced and have lights including indicators as it goes over four miles an hour and if she wanted to use it on a dual carriageway it must have an amber flashing beacon on it as well.

[@funkycowie]

Agreed

[@WillCamx]

Absolutely.

[@madskier50]

Well that's OK then because I've had a motorbike licence for over 30 years now.

[@funkycowie]

@@madskier50 that's part of the point though motorcyclists know what it's like to ride two wheels, we as a group know how much it can hurt coming off at 15mph and that's why we wear protection, we know why it's good to have full insurance, we have to go through training and testing ensure we are safe and then we learn on the road that we are often invisible. A person who has none of this is far more likely to get killed in an escooter.

[@lesscotford1419]

Tried to get insured, 250watt only an then only for private roads, land etc. Got lid, got gloves, got hi viz, got headlight, got taillight, flashes when brake applied. But no combustion engine!.

[@bharatmaher2363]

Can someone explain this law to me ? why uk law allows you to drive pick and ride public scooters named ‘Lime electric scooters ‘ in London. But you can’t drive your own private scooter in London !!!!!! 😂😂😂

[@robbietiz1702]

E-scooters are a brilliant idea. My son had one years before all the hufflepuff about them. He just used it on the park and has had years of fun. The trouble with them are the idiots that ride them like idiots. Its a no brainer not to use them in a crowded place or anywhere anyone could get hurt. I dont see any diference from an electric bike. We were using cinclare C5's long before the 2 wheeled ones poped up. They regulat things like this but you can pass your driving test and jump strait into a modified 2ltr and drive like a bell end in a 2t car ! makes no sence.

[@VulcanDriver1]

Dorset Police have said that they will seize any not on private land. Many will be purchased as Christmas presents and they have told people not to buy them.

[@bertiewooster3326]

Blah blah mate the cops do nothing.

[@Rich6Brew]

I don't think they're looking hard enough, then, as I see plenty.

[@edeledeledel5490]

They cannot just seize them, unless they are being used. That is theft.

[@christopherfitzgerald774]

I have no problem with e-scooters providing they are used on the road or in cycle lanes. In my area of Dorset they are invariably ridden on the pavement at speed, weaving in and out of the pedestrians either walking along or waiting at bus stops etc. This behaviour is totally ignored by the police as are people riding bicycles on the pavements. It seems the police are not interested in enforcing the law, they are probably too busy looking for so-called "hate crimes" where someone has uttered some "hurty words".

[@Slavir_Nabru]

Either legalise them or don't. The current situation prohibiting private individuals while giving those commercial entities who cosy up to the councillors a de facto monopoly is abhorrent.

[@michaelpickles1422]

To enable e-scooters to be used as freely in the UK as e-bikes you need a throttle that only allows forward movement of up to 4 mph and a foot lever mechanism that replaces the pushing movement in order to transfer power to the wheels up to a maximum of 15 mph!

[@rbxrockettrio8650]

Is the electric that’s charged them green? Most likely they’ve hardly removed any carbon

[@aitorbleda8267]

No need. They use very little energy per distance travelled. Less than walking.

[@Thurgosh_OG]

@@aitorbleda8267 But it's still carbon polluting energy they use and their production as well as end of life create many more hazards in our earth and water.

[@aliruane]

E-scooters are already happening and can contribute massively to reducing traffic and carbon footprint. It makes much more sense to license and insure them. Ensure proper PPE is worn and it has proper brakes.

[@clivewilliams3661]

Critically, for the e-scooter to be used on the highway it will have to be licensed, but to get that license they will have to have a Certificate of Conformity to show that it complies with the UK e-scooter build requirements, which I doubt have been written yet. If they don't have that CofC then they will have to pass an IVA with VOSA that will not be cheap and will be assessed based on the (non-existent) construction rules. I doubt whether the manufacturers in Asia or local importers will want to go through the CofC process. If the e-scooters are to be used in UK then expect them to be desirable for EU as well so that the suppliers will need to satisfy two, possibly divergent standards for essentially the same market. The current trials presumably use scooters that have temporary Govt approval, failing any official standard.

[@ditch3827]

That might not be true as it depends on legislation that has yet to be drafted and enacted. Such legislation can impose any restrictions or not as our legislators see fit. So we shall just have to wait and see.

[@engineeredlifeform]

What I don't understand is how the e-scooter trials are legal? How come local councils can circumvent national legistation? Voi in Liverpool require a Provisional license, but I don't see the loophole there, usualy a Provisional License holder would need to pass a CBT before being allowed to operate a petrol scooter, and surely the important part is traffic awareness, road law, etc, as much as operating basic controls?

[@ditch3827]

Because the law was changed to make it legal. See The Electric Scooter Trials and Traffic Signs (Coronavirus) Regulations and General Directions 2020

[@engineeredlifeform]

@@ditch3827 Thanks for the info. Seems rather odd the amendment has 'Corona Virus' in it, was this rushed through?

[@ditch3827]

@@engineeredlifeform I think several things were rushed through on the back of Corona Virus but it is what it is.

[@paulcassidy8130]

While the UK cogitates and deliberates for years other European countries already use them and have them available alongside their bike hire schemes.

[@WolfmanWoody]

Judging by the 'trial' in our area I suspect that maybe 30% will be responsible users and the 70% an accident waiting to happen. There have been cases in our area of accidents, not sure if one was fatal or not. As others have said, it needs a lot of legislation and perhaps Parliament is too tied up with other more urgent problems right now.

[@englishguineasjb]

Some Train companies have already banned them being took onto their trains, due to the lithium battery dangers, northern trains have last week banned them

[@duck1946]

And TFL??

[@benglasgow]

Mind boggling. Are they going to ban e-bikes too? They use the same exact kind of battery...

[@alanlauder1476]

The big advantage of these things would be for commuters travelling to and from public transport. Or it would be, if they weren't banned from many buses and trains over safety issues.

[@ditch3827]

That is inevitably the future as fuel and electricity prices continue to rise to the point where commuting by car is unaffordable

[@TheAndrian463]

Sadly the ban is an overreaction due to a small group not looking after their hardware or doing unprofessional modifications.

[@madskier50]

@@TheAndrian463 Yes. Typical ignorant knee-jerk reaction of know-nothing politicians.

[@catbreath007]

When the Sinclair C5 came out in the early 80's we didn't have all this hassle & fuss !! 🤔

[@theogster]

Genuine question, if an escooter is limited to under 8mph, and is the type with a fitted seat, would that not be considered a mobility device like a mobility scooter ? Asking as a disabled person that would find it very useful as a small escooter will fit in my car... a mobility scooter is too big

[@stevencarr5294]

Ban them or make the riders buy insurance. Government is paralyzed by incompetence to do anything.

[@mbontekoe3358]

E- scooters should be limited to using cycle lanes and cycles lanes should be extended to cover the whole country as most civilised countries in Europe do

[@Zyphera]

Every car trip removed form the street is a good thing. If the freedom for a individual is even increased at that I would say the overall benefit is huge.

[@JakandDaxterAddict]

I think they should just be allowed like bicycles, I.e. no license, numberplate, mot etc. They're as dangerous as bicycles so treat them the same. You aren't supposed to ride a bike on a pavement anyway.

[@clunkygearbox]

FYI. In Salford, you can rent e scooters to ride in public especially around the area. It is one of these trials. You need to be over 18 with at least provisional driving license. They can only be ridden in the same spaces as push bikes.

[@peakyblunder4613]

If you believe that that's actually what's happening, you're completely delusional. I also live in a city with one of these trials and I'd say these rules are hardly followed and enforced even less so. In the news less than a week ago a lad of just 12 died whilst riding one of these council backed death traps. Where were the rules followed or enforced there?

[@clunkygearbox]

@@peakyblunder4613 Whoa....Just an observation mate. I see them and have to deal with them nearly every day. I'm not making any judgement.

[@survival-sam]

It would be interesting to hear with the E-Scooter is illegal, yet a mobility scooter is legal. To my mind they are both powered vehicles. Would be interesting to hear the differences .

[@simonrook5743]

The mobility scooter complies with a specific legal exception, the same way e-bikes do. There is no specific exception for e-scooters.

[@survival-sam]

@@simonrook5743 Thank you for your answer. Oh, that is interesting, don’t get me wrong, I’m not a fan of the E-Scooter. They seen to be such a risk to the rider. But it is interesting , did the mobility scooter and e-bike have to go through same kind of process ? In my mind they are all capable of causing the same amount of damage to others or the driver. And non seem to have licence plates or insurance / driver training.

[@peteanderson7416]

@@survival-sam electric wheelchairs & mobility scooters are limited to 4 or 8 MPH and class 3 (8 Mph) vehicles have to be registered. Hire e scooters are limited to 15 Mph, there are e scooters on sale whih can reach 50 Mph. As such most e scooters would probably be capable of greater damage.

[@survival-sam]

@@peteanderson7416 thanks, dose not explain the bikes though.

[@g.pmoore4293]

I'm seriously looking at getting one next year . I know they have there problems but then so do many other things , that's life as they say . My only worry is that the police will confiscate £700+ worth of kit . I'm fairly aged and an experienced cyclist who rides sensibly.

[@thekitowl]

When do you see a police man nowadays.

[@g.pmoore4293]

@@thekitowl true but there will be one around when you don't want them to be !

[@thekitowl]

@@g.pmoore4293 I suppose you could be unlucky & stumble upon one. I never heard of the police prosecuting users of skateboard’s with motors & they ( IMO ) were really dangerous . I use my e scooter off road & love it to bits. Oh & I’m coming up for retirement, so no spring chicken.

[@supamat]

Hi could you do a video on being warn of a fine if i don't do electrol registration

[@PabloTBrave]

Most escooters have the same weight, power train, power limits as ebikes yet they are currently illegal on public roads and will need more legislation and restrictions, insurance, licence, tax etc seems illogical, inconsistent but believable. They should be treated identically in law .

[@colingalloway4051]

I have an e scooter and wish Westminster would put the people and the planet above profit for once and just legalise them but their stalling because they can't find a way to make money from them

[@R.-.]

Since they introduced vehicle priorities in the highway code, maybe they could do the same on the pavement? Let scooters / escooters / bikes / ebikes with a speed limit use the pavement to avoid road traffic, but they must give way to pedestrians at all times. IMO scooters would not be safe on busy roads with fast traffic, as we know from the number of accidents.

[@aloh5613]

Mobility scooters do not need an M.O.T. They are allowed to drive in the road. They are fine to use I pedestrian area. E-scooter should be in the same category as mobility scooters. As they are both low powered, speed limited battery powered vehicles 😉

[@bikeman123]

That would be too obvious. Though I do think escooters and roads don't mix well.

[@johnchoice1371]

They cannot blend in with the rest of traffic on roads because it would put the rider of the scooter at too much risk. What is needed are proper scooter lanes, where scooter uses can be safe. You could install pedestrian crossings at intervals along the scooter lanes.

[@lulabellegnostic8402]

When someone impacts my vehicle, i have a number plate to trace them. When i am walking along the pavement and am impacted with the same ( or worse) effect on my ability to carry on my life as before, how do i trace and pursue the culprit?

[@madskier50]

And if the person who hits you is on a bicycle, what then? Do they have number plates?

[@lulabellegnostic8402]

@@madskier50 same should apply. Although in my experience, scooters are more likely to be on the pavement

[@bikeman123]

And if you're knocked over or mugged by a pedestrian? Should we all be registered?

[@PaulBrunt]

I think they should be legal with some safe guards. At the very least they should be led by a pedestrian waving a red flag or carrying a lantern to warn bystanders of the vehicle's approach 🙂

[@shady8479]

Lol cyclists should be included in this

[@makebritaingreatagain0077]

Safety ? We have enough health and safety in the uk to a point where it takes 10 years to get permission to build ! Safety is down to the person who is using this little blower

[@mda5003]

It won't be long for all motorists to be led by a pedestrian waving a red flag!

[@alisonjmiller5339]

There is one kid who has got himself a suped up one, and a suped up electric bike, he rides them at around 40mph through village and next town along, he wears no helmet, just a balaclava and hoodie, police must have seen him going back and to, he been doing it for well over a year, but nothing done to stop him. His younger brother (I assume they are brothers) sometimes seen shooting along pavement to shops in village on the scooter, again no head protection, and again no action from police, see them nearly everyday flying past.

[@katc6317]

Am so glad you're covering this. They drive me crazy on the roads and the risk people take with their lives when on them blows my mind. Looking forward to listening! 👍

[@colin_a]

If you legalise them, then as far as I'm concerned you need FULL insurance..., just as with a car or bike.. It also follows that they would need to have a licence plate.., and be registered with DVLA.. Its a NO from me..., its going to cause problems..

[@ditch3827]

Just as a point of information, cars don't need FULL insurance, just third party, and pedal bikes don't need any insurance.

[@eddiebruv]

You should get a licence and insurance, at the very least. Otherwise ban ‘em.

[@theprojectchannel5045]

In my opinion anything with a motor should have to have a license and insurance unless it’s a mobility scooter

[@cantbearsedmechanics]

That should include mobility scooters. I see so many that can't use them around pedestrians . An elderly person who lives in the next town to me ran over someone in a supermarket with one and was sued for damages . They lost there house over it .

[@johnsshed995]

I just wish they would get on with it .I was hopeing to get my wife one to go to work on .But by 2024 she will be retired .

[@ronmac9522]

Why is it e scooters can go 15 MPH and are illegal, yet my class 3 mobility scooter is insured and registered with the DVLA and is road worth can only go 8MPH?

[@jochenrudiger]

I am astonished, because as far as I know, here in Germany they are permitted under certain circumstances. But I often see the drivers driving dangerously. And in Berlin, for example, they can be rent. But they often end in rivers.

[@jochenrudiger]

Just read on the ADAC webpage: You must be at least 14 years old and need no drivers' license. The E-Scooter needs an operating permit and the insurance of a scooter. No helmet is required, but advised. Only one person can be transported and you have to use the bike lane.

[@lesscotford1419]

You have a much more modern view in Germany than this country (United Krapdom). I do like the Black Forest, Munchen, generally from

[@lesscotford1419]

Koln to Munich on the train years ago, stopping off at most of the towns on way before Passau onto Wien. Polite and welcoming as I recall.

[@Boodster61]

Some E Scooters can go to 50mph, wearing protective equipment needs to be mandatory

[@kwhufc5769]

Ive seen someone terrorising pedestrians during a highstreet art performance, the 6 usless officers ignored it. I asked why they havnt stopped someone using a personal one on public paths, and was told to go away or theyll arrest me.for being drunk and disorderly, when I said im not. They replied i just left the pub so its mine against theirs

[@laceandwhisky]

Always approach while videoing if they arrest you without cause you can apply for compensation. Drunk disorderly wouldn't stick.

[@Chappers.Gaming]

You left the pub but you don't have to buy alcohol in a pub 😉 you May of got a coke and A meal ..

[@lesscotford1419]

Fuckin police man.. Useless.

[@abrazalves]

As usual all the topics you bring to our attention are very good. These aspects that we the citizen do not know. Thank you for your chanel. It is a must.

[@breakit46]

To be honest the discs don’t get used much, the brake pull by rider turns on regen brake which does the rapid stopping power. Escooters can be ridden safely with road sense by user.

[@otakarkuby3926]

The purpose of a driving licence is to tax the road user under the assumption that they are using the roads for commerce, The legislations placed upon the registered vehicles are of course to provide safety for rules of the road as well as revinue generate for (alledgeldly) breaking said rules. If your on a self propelled vehicle then you should pay tax as your using a public utility to power said vehicle, if your commuting to work on a self propelled vehicle then thats commerce so yes people using scooters to commute to work should be under the same rules as anyone using a moped or scooter regardless of propulsion system.

[@bigzosso]

"Can only be used on private land"? Here in Manchester city centre I watch from my office groundfloor window, every working day people using e-scooters (not to mention e-bikes and skateboards) on the footpath and on the road, some with lights and some with no lights, some with 2 people on 1 e-scooter (no seats, stood up) travelling really fast (15mph I guess?) however they desire to in the middle of the roadway, wrong way down one-way streets and straight across tramlines, through crossroads and red traffic lights without any regard for the rules/laws of the road motorcyclists and car drivers have to abide by, weaving all over in and out of traffic without any care for their own or others safety. It would seem anyone of any age can do as they please riding these, regardless of the law as it isn't enforced here?

[@ditch3827]

It's also illegal to park on the pavement but I see more motorists do that than cyclists and scooters on the pavement.

[@barrysmith5466]

@@ditch3827 but parked cars on pavements aren’t moving

[@ditch3827]

@@barrysmith5466 Which makes it even worse as it the obstruction last longer. Cars parked on the pavement are particularly dangerous for blind people who walk into them or disabled people or parents with wide buggies who have to go onto the carriageway.

[@janburn007]

E-scooters have been legal in my locality for a couple of years now at least - but they are not allowed to be ridden on the roads - only on the footpaths - though they may be ridden on the roads in emergencies, or where no footpath exists, or where there may be maintenance being done on the footpath. The e-scooters do carry insurance for the rider only - which is invalidated if the rider happens to be breaking the rules/laws - which many riders DO break. The scooters may only be ridden by one person who must be wearing a helmet & they must be adhering to the e-scooter speed limits & obeying all other e-scooter laws. Sadly, many riders do break these laws, which invalidates their insurance.

[@mentalmotherof2219]

Are there any rules on electric wheelchairs and mobility vehicles?

[@bobeyes3284]

I believe these scooters should be licenced, taxed and insured. The riders should follow the laws of the road. I bought a RION scooter a year or so ago back. It's limited to 80mph but is able to do 130mhp. I only use it for recreation, It's as dangerous as any motorbike.

[@bikeman123]

I can't find any RION scooters that do 80moh let alone 130mph. You lie!

[@PhilipBallGarry]

By not legalising escooters quickly enough it's allowed many different models to emerge - some of which would be illegal if the same Power and Speed limitations applicable to Electric Bikes were adopted. Some people think that if they're all illegal they might have have the fastest one available - with the inevitable risk to life and limb of themselves and others. My suggestion would be to adopt Escooters into the same class as Ebikes with the same or similar limits to power and speed. Make these the only type which can be legally sold in the UK. Retailers would probably applaud this because rather than restrict sales it would (finally) allow buyers purchase them, confident in the knowledge that legislation has now made them fully legal. I think sales would really take off.

[@neilholmes8200]

I work in Liverpool, one of the cities involved in a trial. Not tried one myself and don't particularly want to, but I do think regulation and legislation would be good. I've seen too many people riding them who clearly are too young (iirc you have to swipe your driving licence to use one) or people riding them without the slightest protection gear or care for the rules of the road

[@davidoldboy5425]

Did you get the scooter free for saying that? If you think they will only be used in schemes and legally, dream on, they are now a menace everywhere.

[@oddball7483]

If one person commits murder does that mean everyone should be punished in case they do ? Being of limited mobility together with the lack of reliable and cost effective public transport. An electric scooter for me would be a useful tool that enables me to access other facilities like shops. It can be folded up and carried in store or onto public transport bus/ train if required. Unlike the traditional 4 WHEEL type which equally i have seen driven irresponsibly by inconsiderate persons. I would like to go out for walks but generally speaking my problem is returning. As a reminder to spoilers out there as a children we used manual push scooters we made ourselves on the pavements. The main issue is really the lack of respect for other users of the PUBLIC facilities. But as we all lead by example attitudes at the top is primarily what needs to change. Bullying, dictating, demanding is not leadership or managerial competancy. Start there or you will find civil disobedience beginning.

[@Swindondrive]

The rules (if they ever make them) should cover everyone. Bicycles, E-bikes, E-scooters, mobility thingys, Scateboards. The problems are how to enforce the rules when so many people are already ignoring the law and how to make money out of it.

[@roba3414]

Does anyone a time frame in when this might happen please help

[@andrewstones2921]

There needs to be a clear rule on these, either legal or illegal. Safety is the big concern, imagine a teenager on one of these coming down a hill at 15mph with a car or truck behind, a little too much of that front disc brake and he’s head over heels down the road with the car or truck likely on top of him (or her). Strong brakes on such small wheels may seem like a good idea, but in reality I feel mopeds are a better solution for most cases. Mopeds can be ridden by 16 year olds, they are much safer than scooters and they do 200mpg on petrol or run on electric.. they are cheap to insure, cheap to tax and relatively cheap to buy. Many European countries allow 14 years olds to ride mopeds, this makes far more sense.

[@Some_Cat_]

The power limit needs to be 500w and NOT 250w for e-scooters if the government plans to classify them as part of the e-bike ecosystem. Scooters have smaller wheels, no pedal assist and need enough power for inclines and heavier riders. Not only that but scooters under 500w aren't built very robustly.

[@smoxesss]

8000w ya joker , YT peopl are a joke

[@jonk5755]

My first experience of these was in Milton Keynes with their trial scheme. Two of them came by in a pedestrian area in very close proximity at what I assume to be their maximum speed, probably racing each other. My immediate thought after the hock and potential harm they could do was that, in the wrong hands, they would be a perfect vehicle for bag snatchers. I wonder if there have been any reports of this?

[@modelsfirst]

They are being used for street crime and ferrying drugs yes.

[@fus149hammer5]

Probably ideal for drug gangs too.

[@Liam-si5lx]

A bicycle would be a better vehicle for this than an e-scooter as bikes are much more stable when being ridden with one hand.

[@modelsfirst]

@@Liam-si5lx That's true. Bicycles are way my stable and controllable & manoversble faster too with a reasonably fit rider. But... Thief's are stupid

[@andrewhopkinson2503]

Currys sell them here in Leeds where they are not permitted in public. I've narrowly been missed by them on several occasions. Maybe the shops should be required to check that the buyer has the required category Q driving licence. Perhaps also the purchasers details be sent to the DVLA and the scooter be fitted with a tracker which would alert the DVLA if it was being used in a non permitted area so action could be taken

[@terryhayward7905]

Ahh yes, trackers on every scooter, bike and car so that the government know just where you are at all times. Great idea. ( Didn't I read this in a book somewhere ?)

[@andy0175]

Category Q is for internal combustion engines, not electric!

[@andrewhopkinson2503]

@@terryhayward7905 You're right. I was wrong

[@Falney]

It is possible to put them through a vehicle test similar to an IVA IF and only IF they are being used as transport means for people with disabilities. But that is a minority of cases.

[@hamshackleton]

Woof to you, too! There are e-bikes already imported (from China) that are capable of 40 mph!

[@CAZtheBush]

someone who has never even had a bike before can pick one up and immediately ride on the roads...… logic

[@RealAirgunAdventures]

I'm just curious, when these councils quote a figure for carbon removed, do they factor in electrical generation? The diesel used in mineral mining for batteries. I wonder what the lifetime carbon footprint really looks like. Then of course the moral issue of child labour, dangerous working conditions ect.

[@MatthewLenton]

I see so many of these on pavements by me where people are just riding them, some without any courtesy for pedestrians and I don't live in an area where they are being trialled, so these ones are privately owned, and therefore should not be being used The nearest trial area to me is in Birmingham

[@SavvyMoneyShow]

I think you are correct because since some broke out in fires on underground mot will be required it will be a win for green initiative while bringing in tax

[@itsonlyme9938]

I have seen advertised electric bikes with very powerful motors way above the legal limit But no mention of the law so one would assume they are legal. It should be mandatory at point of sale the legal requirments to the buyer.

[@TheLongonot62]

They're not. Electric bikes that go faster than 15.5 mph are classed as motorbikes and should be insured, taxed and the rider licensed.

[@gerrimilner9448]

i live in an area that has a trial (i prefered the bikes) and a friend of mine uses the scooters regularly, adering to the minimum saftey guidence (reflective jacket, helmet and lights after dusk) and they frequently get mocked for it. taxi drivers are scared of hitting them as few have any road sense, nip into gaps that are not safe and are dificult to see

[@kevkfz5226]

The law needs to be applied fairly so all the rules, licensing, tax, safety gear, insurance etc etc that apply to 3.5hp 50cc motorcycle’s apply equally. 15 mph limit is nonsense. Btw. This needs to be enforced

[@maxsullivanroyall9069]

This is what they need todo. First you need at least a provisional driving licence this is so they can fine you and put points on your DL for riding dangerously. Second The Scotter will need front and rear lights as well as a break lights and rear left and right indicators. Third A helmet must be worn like riding a moped or bike 🏍 Forth I really think 15.5 mph is way to slow and the max speed should be limited to 30mph. But this shouldn't stop you being able to get powerful 2000w motors and duel motors as these are amazing for going up hill and offroad trails. And lastly They should need basic insurance that covers both the rider and other road users. I don't believe they should have number plates and pay tax should be same as push bikes exempt from both.

[@JamesJohnAgar]

It's taking to long to legalise E-Scooters, the discussion has been around for years and also loads of people are using them on public roads/footpaths & they are not on trial and the police have done nothing!

[@susanalderson8267]

They should be completely banned, they are stupid, dangerous & almost exclusively ridden around by dickheads.

[@megapangolin1093]

I agree, lets do the same thing with guns, they have been used for years illegally, so lets legalise them. They could be used in self defence when being ridden down by a drugged 12 year old delivering drugs whilst intoxicated.

[@leemarvinhitchmanciaratell3450]

Disc brakes, drum is better in the long run I think bud … however, very informative. Thank you

[@andrewm514]

I don't see a real problem personally. However, I'm disabled and use both electric wheelchair and buggy 8mph road legal and I'm insured etc . But if the scooters can do 15mph whilst we're limited to 8 mph it doesn't compute? Plus the amount of drivers that abuse me when I have to use the roads is beyond belief! Perhaps a follow up explaining this will help drivers of cars understand? Thank you

[@keancv]

As much as your video is about Law, which you explain very well. What about the risk of breaking the law? For example youtube won't allow urls, so go to your prefered search engine news and look up escoter bus.

[@bikeman123]

Do mobility chairs require testing, tax, insurance etc? Pretty sure not. Legislation seems to cope with them so why are escooters now being confused with evs.

[@thepvporg]

Yes, legalise them for road use that need DVLA registration, carry a number plate, MOT tested, Insured, the driver holds a provisional licence... eScooters have the power level of a moped. The claim of removing 37 tons of carbon does not cover 1/100th the tonnage of emissions that went in to making them.

[@Captain.Scarlet]

Nearly all manufacturers make it impossible to maintain things like the batteries (Includes many bicycles). The linked one checking the manuals doesn't appear to show you can replace the battery pack or motors, so to me this is yet more pointless e-waste someone will throw away as soon as it fails out of warranty.