UK Extends Rental E-Scooter Trials to 2028 Amid Safety Data Gaps

The UK government has extended rental e-scooter trials in England for a fifth time, now running until May 2028, aiming to gather more evidence on safety, local impacts, and environmental benefits amid ongoing regulatory uncertainty. These trials, launched in 2020, require rental scooters to meet specific technical standards, including speed limits and insurance, with riders needing a valid driving license. Meanwhile, the government is considering new proposals to regulate private e-scooters, which are currently illegal on public roads but widely used; potential rules include mandatory license plates, safety tests, insurance, and speed restrictions to curb illegal modifications and improve safety. In Australia, cities like Ballarat are consulting residents on the future of shared e-scooters and e-bikes, emphasizing community feedback to guide safe and effective micromobility programs that help reduce car dependency and support local economies. Similarly, in Canada, the city of Barrie is exploring participation in a provincial pilot program to potentially permit e-scooters, seeking public input before making decisions, highlighting growing interest in e-scooters as part of broader transportation options. Overall, governments are balancing innovation and safety concerns while trying to integrate e-scooters into urban transport systems through trials, consultations, and proposed regulations.