Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans his Department has for the regulation of electric motor bicycles and electric scooters on public land.

The Transport Bill announced in the Queens Speech, offers an opportunity to set out a new, adaptable regulatory framework for small, light electric vehicles.

It is our intention that the Transport Bill will create a Low-Speed Zero Emission Vehicle category that is independent from the cycle and motor vehicle categories. New powers in the Bill would subsequently allow the Government to decide which vehicles will fall into this category, and how they should be regulated to ensure safe use.

No decisions have been made on the details of the regulations for e-scooters. We will consult before any new arrangements come into force, and all interested parties will have a chance to shape the new regime.

Electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) are regulated for in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983. The Department undertook a review of the case for amending the current speed and power restrictions of EAPCs as part of the Future of Transport Regulatory Review Call for Evidence published in 2020. Having considered the evidence carefully, the Department’s position is that the safety disbenefits of doing so would outweigh the potential benefits.