Writes Transport Secretary urging he allow the new tech on roads

Ealing Southall MP Virendra Sharma MP is backing calls to allow e-scooters on UK roads.

He attended a product showcase event hosted by US-based micromobility company Bolt Mobility – of which gold medallist sprinter Usain Bolt is a co-founder and tested some of the products currently on the market.

Speaking after the event, Mr Sharma said, “The use of e-scooters and other micromobility products is currently illegal on UK roads, with certain transport legislation dating back to the 1830s. Updates to the UK’s transport laws are long overdue, with the development of new, innovative, sustainable technology such as e-scooters heralding a new era in ‘last-mile’ travel. It was great to attend Bolt Mobility’s product showcase and see the next generation in micromobility transport technology. I have written to the Transport Secretary asking that he looks at updating transport laws so that the UK isn’t left behind other countries in harnessing this technology.” 

Speaking at the Parliamentary event, Dr Sarah Haynes Chairwoman of Bolt Mobility said, '' We're excited to be in the UK, where we see an opportunity for micromobility solutions to deliver real change for both users and local communities by reducing reliance on personal vehicles. City Centres, suburban areas and public transport black spots could benefit from fast, equitable, efficient and affordable ' last mile' solutions.''

Usain Bolt commented, “We are a witnessing a European technology race that the UK has an opportunity to lead. As an athlete who runs in cities across the world, I’ve seen first-hand the impact that polluted air and overcrowded transport systems have on people’s lives. The UK’s roads are some of the most congested in Europe – so we see huge potential for the UK to benefit from the micromobility technology that is taking other cities by storm.”

8 July 2019