E-scooters should not be used on towpaths

THE Canal & River Trust is working with the Department of Transport, local authorities, national bodies and commercial operators to understand if (and how) electric scooters can be used safely on towpaths.

During the Covid-19 pandemic there has been a significant increase in towpath use especially in urban areas during lockdown and although CRT has very little data, it is aware that more people are using e-scooters on its land, despite their exclusion under the law, very much as they are on pavements, roads and other public spaces.

E-scooters are not mentioned in the Towpath Code or in the Better Towpaths for Everyone policy which were created before their development.

Therefore by default, their use is currently prohibited under the trust’s general canal bylaws.

General permission has been given for all bicycles and vehicles that are designed for, and used as, mobility aids as well as specific permission for some operational vehicles such as sit-on mowers, quad bikes and vans where towpaths allow and only on an individual basis to complete vital operational and engineering works.

According to a position statement on the trust’s website: “We know there will be obvious safety concerns, so until we can be satisfied that people will not be put at risk we will not be giving permission for e-scooters to be used, except in controlled trials.

“In the meantime, therefore, e-scooter users should not use towpaths and use alternative routes instead.”