The Impact of E-Scooters on the UK’s Transport Network

Recent reports suggest that journeys on e-scooters have taken the place of 1 in 5 private vehicle or taxi commutes. Whether you like them or not, it appears they are here to stay.  

Initially considered a passing novelty, e-scooters have gradually become a practical choice for urban commuters. By October 2021, commuting accounted for 36% of e-scooter trips. This evolution from novelty to a functional transport solution underlines the growing acceptance. 

DfT E-Scooter Trials 

The Department for Transport (DfT) has spent the last couple of years conducting e-scooter trials across England. These trials, spanning 32 regions with 55 areas participating, aimed to gauge the effectiveness and impact of e-scooters in modern cities. 
 
They have found that since July 2020, e-scooters have seen a remarkable surge in popularity, with 14.5 million trips recorded by December 2021. The average journey covers 2.2km in 14 minutes, positioning e-scooters as a convenient alternative for short urban commutes, bridging the gap between walking and cycling. 

The DfT research revealed the user base of e-scooters is predominantly young males under 35, reflecting a significant appeal among a younger, urban demographic.  

Notably, individuals from ethnic minority groups and lower-income brackets have also emerged as frequent users, suggesting a wide-ranging appeal across various socio-economic backgrounds. 

Urban Planning and Sustainability 

E-scooters obviously contribute to urban sustainability by offering an emission-free transport alternative. However, there are environmental considerations regarding their production, battery life, and disposal. If sustainable practices are used throughout the manufacturing and recycling process, e-scooters become one of the greenest ways to travel.  

Anthony Browne, Conservative MO for South Cambridgeshire, said:  

“The National E-scooter Evaluation found that by December 2021 rental e-scooter journeys mostly replaced walking journeys (42%), followed by private motor vehicles or taxis (21%). However, the proportion of walking journeys being replaced reduced over time, while the proportion of private motor vehicle or taxi journeys being replaced increased over time.” 

“One of the potential benefits of using an e-scooter instead of driving is that it may reduce emissions and improve air quality. The National E-scooter Evaluation estimated a total reduction of between 269 and 348 tonnes of CO2e (to December 2021) across the five case study areas due to modal shift from cars to rental e-scooters.” 

While they may be good for urban pollution, the integration of e-scooters requires thoughtful urban planning. In many areas where e-scooters have been introduced, there has been a sharp rise in crashes and pedestrian injuries. These incidents are primarily due to rider error.  

Residents and users need to be carefully educated on the dangers of e-scooters and urban areas need to find ways of accommodating the new form of transport. Whether it’s specific rules around where they can be used or additional signage warning other road users of their presence. More definitely needs to be done to ensure they are a safe and legitimate part of the local transport network.

Implications for the Taxi and Private Hire Industry 

E-scooters are something the trade need to be aware of but there doesn’t seem to be any major concerns yet.  

21% of journeys being replaced sounds significant, but it also included private vehicle journeys, not just taxis. It’s also worth noting that this was based on the responses of 35 people who would have otherwise driven or got a taxi for their commute. 

But this doesn’t mean you can forget about them, particularly if you operate in a city. E-scooters are clearly growing in popularity and while it might take 5, 10, or 20 years for them to be completely adopted, it seems to be a when rather than an if. 

The industry can adapt by exploring possibilities such as integrating eScooter services with traditional taxi offerings. By providing greater flexibility to passengers, you could potentially future-proof your operation.