New micromobility powers will ‘close gap’ between UK and other countries

Advocacy bodies for new types of urban mobility have expressed hopes that the DfT will close the gap between the UK other countries that make far greater use of shared mobility.

Local authorities are to be given new powers to manage on-street micromobility schemes through a licensing regime, as set out in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.

Initially, the powers will be limited to shared cycle and e-bike services but could in future be extended to include other micromobility operations – such as shared e-scooter schemes or pavement delivery devices - if these start to impact on shared street space, for example blocking pavements.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which is going through Parliament, builds on The English Devolution White Paper, published last December (LTT919).

Richard Dilks, Chief Executive of CoMoUK, told LTT: “We welcome the governmental and parliamentary focus the Bill will bring to shared micromobility, which has been ignored as a sector for far too long, despite its mass-scale reach and multiple benefits.

“We will be working intensively around the Bill, and hope it can make a material contribution to closing the gap between the UK other countries which make far greater use of shared mobility.

"Maximising use is in everyone’s interests, as our research shows that such schemes lead to increased use of public transport and active travel, as well as reducing the number of private car journeys and our reliance on private cars, cutting road congestion and helping with the drive to net zero in the process.”

The approach to licensing micromobility schemes will involve minimum standard conditions set by the Transport Secretary to ensure a “consistent baseline of operability and safety for all schemes”, said the Government. Licensing authorities  will then be able to add local conditions to shape schemes around their needs, connect people to public transport, and tackle issues with badly parked shared cycles.

Matthew Clark, Head of New Mobility and Chair of shared transport charity CoMoUK, said: “It is important to recognise that while licensing can provide minimum conditions, there are also other important considerations including providing guidance for Local Transport Authorities on how the new powers should be used.”

The new powers were also welcomed by Christina Moe Gjerde, Vice President for Northern Europe of micromobility company Voi. She told LTT: “The provisions allowing local authorities to regulate on-street e-bike and e-scooter hire schemes  are a vital step in resolving challenges in places like London, and to unlock the full potential of micromobility as a sustainable and accessible transport solution in communities across the country.

“As the UK’s leading operator, we are urging MPs to back this important legislation and details of the Bill work toward a clear and consistent regulatory framework that allows micromobility schemes to flourish across the country.”