Recommendation 25

The case of e-scooters demonstrates the importance of ensuring that enforcement is not an afterthought when new elements are introduced into transport networks. Should the Government eventually seek to legislate for permanent e-scooter rental schemes or use of privately-owned e-scooters on public roads, it must not rely on saying that it is up to local authorities or police forces to use their powers to manage detrimental impacts on disabled people without proving that this can be effective. It must present evidence from the extensive rental trial schemes demonstrating that it is possible for operators and local authorities to manage such schemes in a way which does not further impair disabled people’s safe and confident access to the street environment. This may require the Government to make additional resources available for enforcement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 157)