E Scooters soon to be allowed on UK roads?
Discussion
Graveworm said:
Lord Marylebone said:
Juber said:
So this question may have been covered for for the avoidance of doubt can someone clarify...........
We have had bicycles for over 100 years, and now e-bikes have become quite common over the last 5-10 years, and yet very few people are bothered about the 'no insurance' aspect.- E Scooters dont have insurance?
- What happens if an E Scooter or a cyclist crashed into your car and caused damage?
- Can your legal cover on your insurance take the individual to court and to claim back damages caused?
- Assuming you would need some sort of concrete evidence such as a dash cam / witness?
Yet suddenly people seem to be gravely worried over e-scooters having no insurance, and I really don't understand the concern.
I would much rather have my car crashed into by an e-scooter than a bicycle of any description, but that aside, why do we think there will suddenly be more crashes on e-scooters than on bicycles?
The stopping distance on scooters is greater than bikes so, at the same speed, they are probably more likely to have an accident.
It costs £500m a year to run the DVLA - it would probably be cheaper for the gov just to pay out all at fault claims against cyclists and scooter riders than try and set-up a system to licence them.
It would be political suicide and also just plain daft to introduce tests, licences, insurance, number plates and V5 registration for bicycles or scooters.
We need as many people to be cycling and scootering as possible.
Also, as pointed out, there has been a significant decrease in younger people wanting to drive or own a car, so it is more important than ever to make access to cycling and other environmentally-friendly transport methods as easy as possible.
As soon as you throw up any inconvenient or costly barriers like licences, number plates, insurance, or even mandatory helmet use, people will abandon it in spades.
It will never happen.
(I say all this as a car driver who occasionally cycles)
We need as many people to be cycling and scootering as possible.
Also, as pointed out, there has been a significant decrease in younger people wanting to drive or own a car, so it is more important than ever to make access to cycling and other environmentally-friendly transport methods as easy as possible.
As soon as you throw up any inconvenient or costly barriers like licences, number plates, insurance, or even mandatory helmet use, people will abandon it in spades.
It will never happen.
(I say all this as a car driver who occasionally cycles)
Unfortunately, I find the hatred for cyclists on PH is mirrored in the outside world. It's totally irrational, but it's there. It will take a countrywide change in attitudes to see things improve.
I worry that if some scooter riders behave like knobs, they'll be subject to the same hatred too. Although, being restricted only to towns and cities may help their cause.
I worry that if some scooter riders behave like knobs, they'll be subject to the same hatred too. Although, being restricted only to towns and cities may help their cause.
JQ said:
Unfortunately, I find the hatred for cyclists on PH is mirrored in the outside world. It's totally irrational, but it's there. It will take a countrywide change in attitudes to see things improve.
I worry that if some scooter riders behave like knobs, they'll be subject to the same hatred too. Although, being restricted only to towns and cities may help their cause.
As far as I'm concerned, those sat in their cars foaming at the mouth and becoming furious about cyclists and scooters should just be ignored, but as you point out, their opinion is fairly common in society. I worry that if some scooter riders behave like knobs, they'll be subject to the same hatred too. Although, being restricted only to towns and cities may help their cause.
Whenever there is an accident involving a cyclist and a car, the attitude of the great British public seems to be "Cyclists shouldn't be on the road anyway"
Car drivers, myself included, will just have to suck it up, because times are changing.
Lord Marylebone said:
It would be political suicide and also just plain daft to introduce tests, licences, insurance, number plates and V5 registration for bicycles or scooters.
We need as many people to be cycling and scootering as possible.
Also, as pointed out, there has been a significant decrease in younger people wanting to drive or own a car, so it is more important than ever to make access to cycling and other environmentally-friendly transport methods as easy as possible.
As soon as you throw up any inconvenient or costly barriers like licences, number plates, insurance, or even mandatory helmet use, people will abandon it in spades.
It will never happen.
(I say all this as a car driver who occasionally cycles)
Despite a few early studies the overwhelming consensus of the studies is that where it happens mandatory helmet use hasn't impacted cycle use. We need as many people to be cycling and scootering as possible.
Also, as pointed out, there has been a significant decrease in younger people wanting to drive or own a car, so it is more important than ever to make access to cycling and other environmentally-friendly transport methods as easy as possible.
As soon as you throw up any inconvenient or costly barriers like licences, number plates, insurance, or even mandatory helmet use, people will abandon it in spades.
It will never happen.
(I say all this as a car driver who occasionally cycles)
Graveworm said:
Lord Marylebone said:
It would be political suicide and also just plain daft to introduce tests, licences, insurance, number plates and V5 registration for bicycles or scooters.
We need as many people to be cycling and scootering as possible.
Also, as pointed out, there has been a significant decrease in younger people wanting to drive or own a car, so it is more important than ever to make access to cycling and other environmentally-friendly transport methods as easy as possible.
As soon as you throw up any inconvenient or costly barriers like licences, number plates, insurance, or even mandatory helmet use, people will abandon it in spades.
It will never happen.
(I say all this as a car driver who occasionally cycles)
Despite a few early studies the overwhelming consensus of the studies is that where it happens mandatory helmet use hasn't impacted cycle use. We need as many people to be cycling and scootering as possible.
Also, as pointed out, there has been a significant decrease in younger people wanting to drive or own a car, so it is more important than ever to make access to cycling and other environmentally-friendly transport methods as easy as possible.
As soon as you throw up any inconvenient or costly barriers like licences, number plates, insurance, or even mandatory helmet use, people will abandon it in spades.
It will never happen.
(I say all this as a car driver who occasionally cycles)
But helmets aside, all the other items will absolutely have an impact on numbers of cyclists and shouldn't be introduced in my opinion.
Lord Marylebone said:
JQ said:
Unfortunately, I find the hatred for cyclists on PH is mirrored in the outside world. It's totally irrational, but it's there. It will take a countrywide change in attitudes to see things improve.
I worry that if some scooter riders behave like knobs, they'll be subject to the same hatred too. Although, being restricted only to towns and cities may help their cause.
As far as I'm concerned, those sat in their cars foaming at the mouth and becoming furious about cyclists and scooters should just be ignored, but as you point out, their opinion is fairly common in society. I worry that if some scooter riders behave like knobs, they'll be subject to the same hatred too. Although, being restricted only to towns and cities may help their cause.
Whenever there is an accident involving a cyclist and a car, the attitude of the great British public seems to be "Cyclists shouldn't be on the road anyway"
Car drivers, myself included, will just have to suck it up, because times are changing.
I do hope times are changing.
Well it looks like it happening here first - the Tees Valley Mayor is claiming another victory.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-5327268...
First rental e-scooter pilot to be in North East
One hundred rental e-scooters will be available in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
(I reckon quite a few will end up in the river)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-5327268...
First rental e-scooter pilot to be in North East
One hundred rental e-scooters will be available in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
(I reckon quite a few will end up in the river)
Lord Marylebone said:
Graveworm said:
Lord Marylebone said:
It would be political suicide and also just plain daft to introduce tests, licences, insurance, number plates and V5 registration for bicycles or scooters.
We need as many people to be cycling and scootering as possible.
Also, as pointed out, there has been a significant decrease in younger people wanting to drive or own a car, so it is more important than ever to make access to cycling and other environmentally-friendly transport methods as easy as possible.
As soon as you throw up any inconvenient or costly barriers like licences, number plates, insurance, or even mandatory helmet use, people will abandon it in spades.
It will never happen.
(I say all this as a car driver who occasionally cycles)
Despite a few early studies the overwhelming consensus of the studies is that where it happens mandatory helmet use hasn't impacted cycle use. We need as many people to be cycling and scootering as possible.
Also, as pointed out, there has been a significant decrease in younger people wanting to drive or own a car, so it is more important than ever to make access to cycling and other environmentally-friendly transport methods as easy as possible.
As soon as you throw up any inconvenient or costly barriers like licences, number plates, insurance, or even mandatory helmet use, people will abandon it in spades.
It will never happen.
(I say all this as a car driver who occasionally cycles)
But helmets aside, all the other items will absolutely have an impact on numbers of cyclists and shouldn't be introduced in my opinion.
Lord Marylebone said:
I chucked helmet use in as an extra, based on the Australian studies that showed a decline in cycling after helmets were made mandatory. They still have campaign groups dedicated to changing the helmet law over there.
But helmets aside, all the other items will absolutely have an impact on numbers of cyclists and shouldn't be introduced in my opinion.
The cycling helmet compulsion argument seems to generate a lot of heat. Very confusing statistics abound.But helmets aside, all the other items will absolutely have an impact on numbers of cyclists and shouldn't be introduced in my opinion.
eldar said:
Lord Marylebone said:
I chucked helmet use in as an extra, based on the Australian studies that showed a decline in cycling after helmets were made mandatory. They still have campaign groups dedicated to changing the helmet law over there.
But helmets aside, all the other items will absolutely have an impact on numbers of cyclists and shouldn't be introduced in my opinion.
The cycling helmet compulsion argument seems to generate a lot of heat. Very confusing statistics abound.But helmets aside, all the other items will absolutely have an impact on numbers of cyclists and shouldn't be introduced in my opinion.
Graveworm said:
No argument here. The only change I think should be introduced is a requirement to stop and exchange details after an accident.
I wouldn't have any issue with that at all.A probably a prudent requirement that under normal circumstances wouldn't cause a cyclist or scooter rider any inconvenience or issues whatsoever.
chopper602 said:
Well it looks like it happening here first - the Tees Valley Mayor is claiming another victory.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-5327268...
First rental e-scooter pilot to be in North East
One hundred rental e-scooters will be available in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
(I reckon quite a few will end up in the river)
"riders will have to leave the battery-powered vehicle in certain locations for charging."https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-5327268...
First rental e-scooter pilot to be in North East
One hundred rental e-scooters will be available in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
(I reckon quite a few will end up in the river)
which is a bit rubbish, those pedal rental bikes can be left anywhere, but anything electric is going to be of limited use until each street has a docking location.
I heard about e-scooters becoming legal this week. Did a bit of research and was just about to push the button to buy one and get in before the rush until I found out it's rental only.
At the moment I drive but an e-scoot would be perfect, 2 miles to station, hop on a train, 1.5 miles to office. But the chances of e-scoot rental appearing at my local station is zippo. So it just doesn't work and I will therefore continue with motorised transport.
I just don't get this rental only rule. I'm an old bloke, I'm not gonna go mad, I'm going to be considerate of other users, would wear a helmet and suitable gloves yet computer says no.
I'm also too old to get told off by some teenage copper at the side of the road for being a naughty boy so I'll have to wait. Shame as I was looking forward to a new toy.
Interesting to read about some others on here who are just getting on with it without hassle. But the give away is always taking it on a train as you wouldn't do that with a rental scooter. If private use expands massively out side of the law rail companies will quickly ban them, never mind the dirty looks from the boring brigade.
At the moment I drive but an e-scoot would be perfect, 2 miles to station, hop on a train, 1.5 miles to office. But the chances of e-scoot rental appearing at my local station is zippo. So it just doesn't work and I will therefore continue with motorised transport.
I just don't get this rental only rule. I'm an old bloke, I'm not gonna go mad, I'm going to be considerate of other users, would wear a helmet and suitable gloves yet computer says no.
I'm also too old to get told off by some teenage copper at the side of the road for being a naughty boy so I'll have to wait. Shame as I was looking forward to a new toy.
Interesting to read about some others on here who are just getting on with it without hassle. But the give away is always taking it on a train as you wouldn't do that with a rental scooter. If private use expands massively out side of the law rail companies will quickly ban them, never mind the dirty looks from the boring brigade.
Edited by Harry H on Friday 3rd July 14:15
Harry H said:
I heard about e-scooters becoming legal this week. Did a bit of research and was just about to push the button to buy one and get in before the rush until I found out it's rental only.
At the moment I drive but an e-scoot would be perfect, 2 miles to station, hop on a train, 1.5 miles to office. But the chances of e-scoot rental appearing at my local station is zippo. So it just doesn't work and I will therefore continue with motorised transport.
I just don't get this rental only rule. I'm an old bloke, I'm not gonna go mad, I'm going to be considerate of other users, would wear a helmet and suitable gloves yet computer says no.
I'm also too old to get told off by some teenage copper at the side of the road for being a naughty boy so I'll have to wait. Shame as I was looking forward to a new toy.
Interesting to read about some others on here who are just getting on with it without hassle. But the give away is always taking it on a train as you wouldn't do that with a rental scooter. If private use expands massively out side of the law rail companies will quickly ban them, never mind the dirty looks from the boring brigade.
I think it's already been mentioned here, but I suspect the other reason is that by only being rentals and restricting those to town and city centre locations it reduces the danger. In city centre environments these scooters are often faster than cars and often don't go that fast anyway due to the congested environment. But once outside the centre speed differentials become bigger and travelling at 15mph becomes easier for extended periods. They won't want people scooting down dual carriageways or trunk roads.At the moment I drive but an e-scoot would be perfect, 2 miles to station, hop on a train, 1.5 miles to office. But the chances of e-scoot rental appearing at my local station is zippo. So it just doesn't work and I will therefore continue with motorised transport.
I just don't get this rental only rule. I'm an old bloke, I'm not gonna go mad, I'm going to be considerate of other users, would wear a helmet and suitable gloves yet computer says no.
I'm also too old to get told off by some teenage copper at the side of the road for being a naughty boy so I'll have to wait. Shame as I was looking forward to a new toy.
Interesting to read about some others on here who are just getting on with it without hassle. But the give away is always taking it on a train as you wouldn't do that with a rental scooter. If private use expands massively out side of the law rail companies will quickly ban them, never mind the dirty looks from the boring brigade.
Edited by Harry H on Friday 3rd July 14:15
There's plenty being used illegally in Manchester city centre, but the users appear sensible and I've not seen them being used outside the centre, so probably attract little attention.
Harry H said:
I heard about e-scooters becoming legal this week. Did a bit of research and was just about to push the button to buy one and get in before the rush until I found out it's rental only.
At the moment I drive but an e-scoot would be perfect, 2 miles to station, hop on a train, 1.5 miles to office. But the chances of e-scoot rental appearing at my local station is zippo. So it just doesn't work and I will therefore continue with motorised transport.
I just don't get this rental only rule. I'm an old bloke, I'm not gonna go mad, I'm going to be considerate of other users, would wear a helmet and suitable gloves yet computer says no.
I'm also too old to get told off by some teenage copper at the side of the road for being a naughty boy so I'll have to wait. Shame as I was looking forward to a new toy.
Interesting to read about some others on here who are just getting on with it without hassle. But the give away is always taking it on a train as you wouldn't do that with a rental scooter. If private use expands massively out side of the law rail companies will quickly ban them, never mind the dirty looks from the boring brigade.
Exactly this. At the moment I drive but an e-scoot would be perfect, 2 miles to station, hop on a train, 1.5 miles to office. But the chances of e-scoot rental appearing at my local station is zippo. So it just doesn't work and I will therefore continue with motorised transport.
I just don't get this rental only rule. I'm an old bloke, I'm not gonna go mad, I'm going to be considerate of other users, would wear a helmet and suitable gloves yet computer says no.
I'm also too old to get told off by some teenage copper at the side of the road for being a naughty boy so I'll have to wait. Shame as I was looking forward to a new toy.
Interesting to read about some others on here who are just getting on with it without hassle. But the give away is always taking it on a train as you wouldn't do that with a rental scooter. If private use expands massively out side of the law rail companies will quickly ban them, never mind the dirty looks from the boring brigade.
Who is going to use them? Yes there'll be a bit of a novelty value and a few tourists will have a go but that's about it.
I thought the whole point of it was to avoid overcrowding on public transport and get cars off the road, most of which are commuters.
For all the reasons stated above, they are not going to be any use to the vast majority of commuters.
As I said in a much earlier post - If only I had an e-scooter to get to the rental point!!
I've nothing against e-scooters but 'rental only' is, in my opinion, bonkers.
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