Electric scooter business Wind targets new base in UK
SHARED ELECTRIC scooter firm Wind has revealed talks to launch in Milton Keynes but said its UK debut has been hampered by the General Election as the vehicles’ use remains illegal on UK roads.
Wind, which has a presence across 20 cities worldwide, had been hoping for regulatory changes allowing e-scooters on public roads and pavements before the end of the year.
It had Milton Keynes in its sights for its British launch after positive discussions with local authorities but has had to put the plans on ice as the nation goes to the polls.
The group is one of a number of public-use e-scooter firms left frustrated as the UK continues to lag behind many of its European neighbours in legalising use on roads.
Swedish rival Vio Technology recently blamed Brexit for delaying changes to regulation as it also eyes the British market.
It comes amid mounting pleas for legalisation in the UK, with campaigners staging a protest in Downing Street in the summer calling for e-scooters to be made legal on roads. But there have been concerns over the safety of e-scooters on roads, following the death of television presenter Emily Hartridge while riding a scooter in London last July.
Matt Turzo, chief operating officer of Wind, said that legalising e-scooters will make Britain’s roads safer and less congested.
He said: “In some ways it’s a congestion problem. There’s too many cars – increasing the volume of people on these (e-scooters) and reducing those in cars is the right direction to make it safer on the roads.”
Wind has been expanding worldwide since securing $50m (£39m) in funding, and investing in its own scooters to replace its initial fleet.
The group said its new scooter, designed by a 60-strong research and development team in China, is more durable, has a switchable battery and improved safety features, such as extra-wide wheel base, a digital horn, automatic lights and dual brakes.
But Mr Turzo said it was “essential”
riders wear a helmet and the group is looking into the possibility of providing shareable helmets.
If legalised, Wind believes it would be safer for e-scooters to be allowed to share cycle paths and pavements.
But the Government would be playing catch up, given that many Britons are choosing to illegally ride e-scooters on public roads.