Electric scooter trials extended until 2028
Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has accused the government of ‘kicking the can down the road’ after it extended electric scooter trials.
There are currently 18 electric scooter trials taking place across England.
They were due to end in May 2026 but the UK government has now announced they will be extended until May 2028.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has said extending the trials will help it gather further data around electric scooter usage and safety, and how they integrate with existing road infrastructure.
It has also said that more towns and cities will be eligible to introduce electric vehicle trials, as long as they provide new insights not available from existing trials.
Electric scooters
IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Given the safety concerns around the use of e-scooters, it’s disappointing to see another kicking of the can down the road on legislation.
“There are real issues that need to be dealt with, not least the continued illegal use of private e-scooters, poor riding standards and the proliferation of these devices within the hot food delivery market and wider gig economy.
“While we’re not opposed to collecting more evidence, we need to start seeing action on safer riding and build standards.”
