All eyes are on Nottingham as the UK moves to legislate e-scooters

Superpedestrian’s Jean Andrews chats with the BBC about what makes Superpedesrian’s shared e-scooter program a national model for safety and cooperation.

The UK micromobility community was abuzz this week as the government announced that after almost two years of monitoring shared e-scooter trials in 30 cities, it is now moving to legislate e-scooters, setting formal standards for vehicle design and operations through the creation of a new low/zero emission vehicle category to cover e-scooters and future forms of transport.

In the wake of this exciting news, Superpedestrian’s Jean Andrews, Policy Director for UK and Ireland, was invited for an interview on BBC radio to talk about e-scooter policy. In her informative interview, Jean explained why eyes should be on Nottingham as the national government gears up to set e-scooter policy.

Jean Andrews, Superperpedestrian Policy Director, UK and Ireland

Demand is high

Of all the trial programs, Nottingham has proved one of the most popular, with over 1.5 million rides. “There was a perception that the weather in the UK would put people off, but that hasn’t been the case… especially during COVID, our e-scooters have proved to be a lifeline.”

Cooperation and collaboration are key

More than proving demand, Nottingham’s program has shown how safe design, technology and cooperative, compliant fleet management add up to the successful integration of e-scooters.“We have a great relationship with Nottingham City Council… when you have that, then that makes for a good recipe [for resolving issues].” 

Shared e-scooters are safer than private ones

Superpedestrian is proving that shared programs are the standard bearer for safety. Across the UK, most safety issues have occurred with private e-scooters, not shared. Accountability on shared scooters is one reason why: “Our scooters have number plates and insurance, users must have a license, we are limited in speed to 15mph.” 

Technology is key to rider and pedestrian safety

“Superpedestrian has put quite a bit of technology in the scooter itself, to keep the scooters safe, in-bounds and parked properly.” Shared scooter operators can work with cities to set zones where scooters go slower, or where they’re not allowed at all. 

Infrastructure needs to catch up

“Sometimes when people ride on pavements it is because they simply do not feel safe riding in the road. We see this with bicyclists as well. We are seeing so much new investment in cycling infrastructure… and we must do more to improve and enhance cycling infrastructure so that everyone feels safer and more confident riding on the road.”

Listen to the full interview starting at 2:11

A Superpedestrian billboard in Nottinham reminds riders to use cycle lanes