Transport research teams from TRL and WMG at the University of Warwick have published a major research paper assessing what the future technical construction standards for e-scooters should be in the UK to ensure they are as safe, sustainable and inclusive as possible.
E-scooter use has been growing around the world, but the UK has been lagging behind due to a lack of dedicated regulations for e-scooters and other forms of electric micromobility.
The report was commissioned by the Department for Transport (DfT) which asked for evidence to identify the technical requirements for design, construction and maintenance of e-scooters, as well as how to ensure the future e-scooter regulations fully consider the mobility needs of people with disabilities.
It comes after the DfT proposed plans to create a new Low-Speed Zero Emission Vehicle (LZEV) category, with e-scooters said to be the first vehicles to be included in their own sub-category. E-scooters currently have no formal definition.
“This report is an important step for better regulations and standards for e-scooter use in the UK, and also paves the way for a new LZEV category that could include not only e-scooters, but solutions for last-mile and cargo applications, carrying passengers and new types of accessible vehicles,” Mark Urbanowski, Principal Engineer at WMG, told Zag Daily.
WMG’s role in the report covered aspects of vehicle performance and power, battery safety and life-cycle sustainability, bringing in a range of experts from the university department.
“E-scooters are an important part of the UK’s future urban transport mix to decarbonise, reduce congestion and provide accessible transport options for all. At WMG we are working closely with the micromobility industry to make products safer, more sustainable and easier to use.”
Key recommendations
The report sets out 10 primary recommendations to inform development of this new LZEV category and the technical definition of e-scooters.
TRL’s Head of New Mobility, Dr. George Beard, told Zag that e-scooters should be limited in speed, acceleration and mass, and braking, and stability should be tested through standardised performance tests. The report refers to the tests currently applied in Germany under the eKFV approval system as an example of a template the UK could follow.
Beard said: “To ensure accessibility, a range of designs must be allowed – with and without seats, and with 2 or more wheels – so as to be suitable and appealing to a diverse range of users. Standards related to structural integrity and battery safety should also be updated. To improve sustainability, measures should be implemented to maximise e-scooter lifespan.
“Through this proportionate and performance-based approach the UK can unlock the enormous potential of the micromobility market and implement world-leading standards.”
The DfT will require a Transport Bill to provide regulatory powers for new LZEVs. Trials of rental schemes have been extended in order to allow further data to be captured into the use of and safety of e-scooters.
