Giles Watling, Member of Parliament for Clacton, is eagerly anticipating the trial that is taking place in Clacton assessing the safety and impact of electric scooters.

Giles saw first-hand the successful use of electric scooters on a visit to Tallinn in Estonia back in 2019.  Electric scooters there clearly demonstrated the positive environmental impacts as there were fewer cars due to people using this as an alternative method of transport for short distance journeys.

Electric scooters have increased in popularity over recent months and this new trial, which is part of the Government’s Future of Transport regulatory review will decide whether e-scooters should be allowed on the road and if so what rules should apply to them. 

The e-scooters will be limited to 15.5 mph and will be permitted in cycle lanes but prohibited from being used on the pavements.  All trial e-scooters must meet minimum construction standards and will have a minimum of third party insurance provided by the e-scooter operator.

Giles said

“I welcome this e-scooter trial, I have seen the benefits first hand on a visit to Estonia back in 2019 and I look forward to seeing the outcome of this trial.  It's great that Clacton has been selected as a trial area, to be at the forefront of greener transport can only be a positive step.  Emissions and noise pollution should be greatly reduced.  I would urge people to take care though, these scooters are very quiet, so you don't hear them coming.  Although cycle helmets are not mandatory I would strongly urge riders to wear one for their own safety.  Also they should wear high visibility clothing.”

"Whilst Essex County Council will have control over the trial, The Department for Transport is putting in place a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation programme that will inform the future policy on the use and operation of electronic scooters."