E scooter rental firms urge clarity as UK trials extended to 2028

The UK government has once again postponed a decision on permanent legislation for e-scooter rentals, granting an extension to the national trial period until May 2028. Operators such as Voi and Lime have welcomed the temporary reprieve but emphasised that official legislation is crucial, as the prolonged uncertainty undermines investment and integration into city transport systems.

Launched in August 2020, the e-scooter rental trials were initially set to last 15 months, yet the repeated extensions mean the industry has now spent eight years in a policy vacuum. During this period, the sector has seen notable consolidation, with firms like Tier and Dott exiting the market. Despite over 45 million journeys on legal rentals and significant investments—Voi alone has injected roughly £100m—operators claim the lack of regulatory clarity is stalling further growth and innovation.

The Department for Transport stated that the extension is intended to close evidence gaps, particularly regarding e-scooter safety and their impact in various urban environments. New areas will also be able to join the trials. While public rental e-scooters are viewed as comparatively safe, unregulated private e-scooters—often modified to exceed speed limits—continue to pose considerable dangers and are persistently operated outside the law.

Industry leaders argue that without proper legislation, cities are reluctant to fully incorporate micromobility options into public transport frameworks, impeding sustainable transport ambitions. Voi’s policy head described the current situation as limbo, warning that without a definitive legal pathway, investment and the deployment of new, safer vehicles remain constrained. Lime noted the extension provides short-term security for jobs and services but called for a long-term legislative solution.

The government, for its part, maintains that safety remains central to its strategy, citing the need for continued data collection before implementing comprehensive regulation. However, pressure is mounting from industry and opposition figures alike to deliver clarity for both public rental operators and private e-scooter owners, ensuring uniform safety standards and fair competition.

With hundreds of cities worldwide successfully adopting e-scooters, the UK’s drawn-out decision-making stands in stark contrast. While Paris and some Italian cities have imposed bans or stricter controls, the industry insists the time for temporary measures in Britain must now draw to a close if it is to realise its potential as a sustainable transport solution.