One of the reasons I’ve held my public Q&As this summer is to hear directly from residents about issues affecting their area. One of the issues that you have raised with me again and again is dangerous, illegal and antisocial use of e-bikes and e-scooters.
Now, I strongly support cycling and active travel. And the responsible and legal use of e-bikes and e-scooters is generally something to be welcomed. But dangerous and illegal behaviour, with vehicles ridden dangerously on pavements, through parks and around pedestrians, isn’t acceptable.
You’ve told me that you are understandably fed up with what you’ve seen and experienced. And it’s my job to now take these concerns to Government and push for action.
I will write to Roads Minister Justin Madders MP to call for a clear route towards a permanent national framework for e-scooters, including consideration of insurance, rider and vehicle identification, age and speed restrictions and rules governing where they can be ridden.
I will also write to Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP to press for stronger and more consistent enforcement against privately owned e-scooters being ridden illegally and high-powered or modified e-bikes which do not meet the legal requirements for electrically assisted bicycles.
I’ll follow this up again when Parliament returns from recess and will keep you updated when I receive a response
