The Future Of Transport Is… E-scooters! Should you start shopping around for an e-scooter? Our tech writer, James O’malley, reckons so

strap a battery onto a scooter, and actually have it carry you far enough to be useful. For example, the Ninebot Max, one of the most popular brands of scooter, can comfortably travel over 20 miles before needing a recharge (though this will decrease if the rider is on the heavier side).

The Last Mile Problem

perspective, it’s impossible to deny that they’re huge fun to ride. Despite the legal situation, it is possible to try scooting yourself. In 2020, the government authorised local authorities to permit trials of rental scooter schemes around the country.

These work similarly to the bike rental schemes that are now commonplace in cities. The scooters are operated by a range of providers, and can be picked up off the street by scanning a Qr-code with an app. And to make sure everyone stays safe, the rules have been set so that if your scooter detects you riding outside of the permitted area, the electric motor will throttle down, forcing you to get off and push.

I can imagine the benefits of scooting in my own life, living in suburbia. At the moment, I live about 1.3 miles away from my nearest railway station in an area with an irregular bus service. This means that I’m faced with the choice of a 30-minute walk or jumping in my car to make the relatively short trip in less than five minutes. There are no prizes for guessing which option wins most often.

And sure, cycling is another option—but it doesn’t always work for everyone. What’s great about e-scooters is that they’re quick, but won’t leave you a slightly sweaty mess when you reach your desired destination.

Legal Scooters Won’t Be As Annoying

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Scooter users are already annoying—so wouldn’t legalising them make them even worse? I’m not convinced. If e-scooters were legalised, they could be properly licensed and regulated.

And I don’t think it would mean more reckless riders, as the people technically breaking the law now are, by definition, more willing to take risks. I doubt we’ll see librarians, doctors and pensioners tearing up the pavements. I also think if privately owned scooters were allowed, it would also incentivise good behaviour, as scooter owners rather than renters would be more likely to, for example, own a helmet and take good care of their own equipment.

There is some good news for the sceptics though. At the end of last year, the government scooted the question of legalisation into the long grass, announcing that instead of making a decision, the regional trials would be extended until November.

So, alas, my dream of an e-scooter utopia might have to wait for a bit longer.

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