Caitlin Taylor, RoSPA’s Road Safety Manager, summarises RoSPA’s formal response to the Government’s consultation on the regulation of on-street micromobility rental schemes.

The consultation, which was outlined in the recent English Devolution White Paper (published 16 December 2024), focuses on creating a framework for regulating shared micromobility vehicles such as bicycles, e-bikes, and potentially e-scooters.

While RoSPA acknowledges the many benefits these schemes can bring, such as reducing congestion, promoting greener transport, and enhancing mobility in urban areas, our priority remains clear: safety must be at the heart of any regulation.

The need for robust safety regulation

The Government’s consultation proposes the creation of a licensing system for shared micromobility schemes, aiming to ensure safe operation and to address issues like parking and antisocial behaviour. Given the rising popularity of these schemes, RoSPA believes that safety should be the foremost concern when developing this regulatory framework.

In our response, we stressed the importance of establishing strong, consistent safety standards across the entire country. This includes not only safety measures for the vehicles themselves but also for riders and pedestrians. It is essential that any licensing system enforces these standards to ensure that micromobility schemes contribute to a safer and more sustainable transport network.

Key safety concerns in RoSPA’s response

1. Comprehensive safety standards – RoSPA calls for clear, enforceable safety standards that address vehicle integrity, operational safety, and rider behaviour. We believe there is a need for mandatory safety checks for all micromobility vehicles, along with operator responsibilities to ensure that vehicles are maintained to a high safety standard. Additionally, we believe that rider education and training should be mandatory to ensure safe and responsible use of the vehicles. These measures will help reduce the risk of accidents and improve safety outcomes for both users and the public.
2. Safe and accessible parking – A significant concern highlighted by RoSPA is the lack of safe, designated parking spaces for shared micromobility vehicles. Improperly parked vehicles create safety hazards, obstructing pedestrian paths and posing a risk to other road users. RoSPA supports the Government’s proposal for local authorities to cooperate in ensuring sufficient, well-planned parking infrastructure. However, we also call for stronger enforcement mechanisms to address instances of obstructive or unsafe parking, which can lead to accidents and public safety issues.
3. Mandatory rider education – To ensure that micromobility schemes operate safely, RoSPA advocates for rider education that covers key safety aspects, such as helmet use, responsible riding, and adherence to local traffic laws. By educating users about safe riding practices, we can reduce the number of accidents and injuries related to micromobility, ensuring that these schemes have a positive impact on public safety.

Safety must be central to future developments

As the consultation process continues and legislative processes unfold, RoSPA remains committed to advocating for safety-first regulation that puts the wellbeing of all road users at the forefront. While we support the continued development of micromobility schemes, it is crucial that they are managed in a way that prioritises safety, addresses risks, and supports the needs of communities across the UK.

We will continue to engage with policymakers and encourage our members to participate in consultations, ensuring that safety remains the guiding principle in the regulation of shared micromobility.

In conclusion, RoSPA’s response underscores the fact that while micromobility can bring significant benefits to urban transport, its success must be built on a foundation of rigorous safety standards. Only by prioritising safety can we ensure that these schemes contribute to a sustainable, safe, and effective transport system.
 
 

Caitlin Taylor is RoSPA’s Road Safety Manager for England.