E-scooters: ‘it’s vital to consider the needs of everyone using our roads and pavements’

• AS e-scooter trials proceed in London, it’s vital to consider the needs of everyone using our roads and pavements.

I attended a round-table organised by Guide Dogs UK to discuss the impact of the rise of e-scooters on the 213,000 Londoners with sight loss.

The charity discussed their new research revealing that 71 per cent of people who reported having seen an e-scooter being used in the last six months have seen them being driven illegally on the pavement.

While e-scooters could help to ensure a green, sustainable, recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a clear need for regulations to be put in place to prevent collisions and accidents.

This is why I am backing the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s calls for a lower maximum speed limit to be imposed on the scooters of 12.5mph and a requirement for an audible warning system and front and rear lights to be fitted onto vehicles. This will make it safer for blind and partially-sighted people to move around independently and safely.

In the meantime, it is still illegal to use private e-scooters and police have confirmed they will be keeping up enforcement against this. Let us help Londoners finding alternative ways to get around the city, but let’s make sure it works safely for everyone.

SEM MOEMA AM
Labour, Assembly Member for Hackney, Islington & Waltham Forest