The Government’s Transport Select Committee has launched an inquiry into the impacts on safety, congestion and greenhouse gas emissions in relation to allowing electric scooters onto the road network.

Last month the Department for Transport began a consultation on plans to trial electronic scooter use on the roads. The UK remains one of the last major European countries where e-scooters are banned everywhere apart from private land.

Huw Merriman, Chairman of the Transport Select Committee said road safety would be considered ‘significantly’ in relation to e-scooters. “We must consider the dangers to other roads users and especially pedestrians with visual impairments or those who use mobility aids and rely on clear pavements. Safety must also be a factor for riders of e-scooters. Also, their environmental credentials have yet to be proven.”

Mr Merriman said that although legalising e-scooters could cut car use and congestion, he thought it was still important to also focus on encouraging people to cycle and walk more.