Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the current legal framework for privately owned e-scooters and e-bikes.

As we discussed at the Westminster Hall debate on 21 October, the Government recognises the current legislation for e-scooters needs reform, which is why it has committed to delivering a permanent legislative framework for micromobility vehicles, including e-scooters, when parliamentary time allows.

E-bikes can only be used on the road, in the same way as ordinary pedal cycles, where they comply with the requirements of the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983. The police have the power to seize faster and more powerful e-bikes that have not been properly registered as motor vehicles.

Enforcement of illegal or irresponsible e-scooter use remains a matter for the police and using private e-scooters on public roads can result in criminal prosecution, points on a user’s driving licence and/or the e-scooter being impounded.