Organisation: PACTS
Date of Publication: January 2026
Uploaded to Knowledge Centre: 3 February 2026
For over five years government backed rental trials have given adults in England access to another mode of electric mobility – the e-scooter. However, legislation for private e-scooters has not yet been passed. A lack of public understanding, irresponsible retail sales and dangerous use by some are leading to serious injuries and deaths, including of children.
This briefing follows a roundtable, which brought together MPs, police representatives, industry voices, and bereaved campaigners to discuss the risks surrounding e-scooters and the need for clear legislation, enforcement and education in the UK.
The discussion was chaired by Helen Maguire MP, with contributions led by Andy MacNae MP, Chair of the APPG for Transport Safety and President of PACTS. Officials from the Department for Transport (DfT) also attended.
Key takeaways included:
- There is widespread public confusion of the legal status of private e-scooters and little regulation of current legislation for sales, imports or use.
- A national awareness campaign is urgently needed, focused on parents and children.
- Retail regulation is inconsistent, and irresponsible marketing continues.
- Police need to be supported with clearer enforceable powers. Successful pilot enforcement models exist.
- Battery and speed-conversion safety issues require greater regulatory controls.
- Future legalisation is likely, when it is made it must include design safety standards and age restrictions if e-scooters are to be integrated into the transport system to support Vision Zero road safety goals.
Click the following link to access the full briefing note:
https://www.pacts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/20251203-e-scooter-roundtable-briefing.pdf