E-scooter trials could be launched across Scotland 'as soon as possible' amid public pressure
E-scooters have been trialled in England since 2020
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Scotland has been urged to introduce e-scooter trials across the country with experts warning locals are missing out on the benefits they offer.
Electric scooters and e-bikes have been part of trial schemes in England since 2020, but Scotland has opted out of introducing them.
Now experts are warning that the country risks missing out on the numerous benefits the green transport modes offer.
Shared schemes are currently the only legal way to ride e-scooters on public roads in England, as private models can only be used on private land.
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E-scooters trails could take place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee
PAAs the UK Government continue to feel pressure to legalise the use of electric scooters, Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said she was open to the idea.
But she did note that the rollout of electric scooters was “not a current priority” for the Scottish Government.
Collaborative Mobility UK explained that the cheap, low-carbon form of transport could be an ideal option during the cost-of-living crisis.
It also pointed out that embracing e-scooters could help the Scottish Government hit its climate change targets by reducing the need for people to use private cars for short trips.
E-scooter trials could also help with the plans to cut the number of car kilometres driven by 20 per cent by 2030.
According to the Department for Transport, e-scooter schemes in England replaced 21 per cent of rides by a private car or taxi.
Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said: “Earlier this year, Fiona Hyslop suggested she was open to trials of shared e-scooters, a welcome move which would finally give Scots the chance to try out this convenient, green and flexible mode of transport that has been enjoyed by people in England for years.
“However, since then nothing has happened, and we are no further forward. We urge Transport Scotland to work with their Westminster counterparts and press ahead with pilot schemes as soon as possible.”
He warned that the delay is “particularly baffling” because evidence gathered from the trials in England shows that the rollout of shared e-scooter schemes would help Scotland achieve some of its key net zero goals.
He added: “The full legalisation of e-scooters on UK roads is inevitable, but this could be years away. There is no reason for Scots to be denied the benefits that they offer now.”
CoMoUK also argued that e-scooter pilot schemes would improve road safety, by ensuring that electric-powered vehicles would be driven legally and regulated on public roads.
The ideal cities for the trial include Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee as they have suitably high populations to make schemes viable, the charity stated.
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E-scooters could help the Scottish Government meet its net zero goals
GETTYHowever, it also identified smaller cities and towns such as Inverness, Perth, Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Paisley and Falkirk which could have trials.
A CoMoUK study found that increasing the availability of e-scooters in congested areas reduces private car usage. It also noted that price reductions and membership plans can encourage shifts from private cars to e-scooters.