Delay to electric scooter laws criticised after no mention in King's Speech

Updated laws covering e-scooters weren’t mentioned when King Charles delivered the UK’s first King’s Speech in 70 years, setting out Rishi Sunak’s legislative plans for the upcoming year.

The delay to regulations has sparked critcism amid warnings of the dangers of the electric vehicles being used in public places when it is illegal.

E-scooters are widely sold across the UK and are a regular site on city streets but are currently only legal to use on private land or from trial hire schemes.

There are currently no such rental schemes operating in Scotland.

The UK Government has promised to extend existing trials elsewhere until May 2026.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association said anti-social e-scooter use is particularly hazardous for people with sight loss due to their weight, speed, silence and because they are often ridden on pavements.

The charity said it was disappointed by the delay to legislation and said the trial rental e-scooter schemes in towns and cities in England have also presented challenges, with rental e-scooters abandoned on pavements.

“At Guide Dogs we’re disappointed that the Government’s plans for the year ahead do not include any measures to tackle some of the most serious and long-running issues affecting people with sight loss,” said Clive Wood, the charity’s lead regional policy manager.

“We need new laws to tackle problem pavement parking, strengthen staff training to prevent guide dog access refusals, and address the problems caused by anti-social e-scooter use.

“While no bills have been announced to address these problems in the King’s Speech, there is nothing stopping the Government from introducing draft laws on these subjects at any point in the upcoming session of parliament, and we urge them to do so.”