Fleets urged to consider safety risk of e-scooters

DriveTech, part of the AA, is urging businesses not to overlook e-scooters when it comes to risk management.

With more than 40 cities either launching or planning to launch e-scooter rental trials, safety is a key concern.

The riders may be inexperienced with the technology and other road users are not used to their presence, all of which presents significant risk.

Training is vital to equip riders with the know-how to operate the e-scooters correctly and, importantly, move alongside other road users safely, says DriveTech. 

The driver training specialist has launched e-scooter rider training modules and tests to help fleets manage the risk.

Colin Paterson, head of marketing at DriveTech, said: “E-scooters are rising in popularity and availability and now is the time for businesses to make sure they fulfil their duty of care and manage the risks they present to employees and vulnerable road users.

“DriveTech has been providing driver training for 30 years and I’m proud that we are the first UK safety training organisation to develop and champion training for this new mode of transport.

“We are now working closely with some of the leading e-scooter companies who have firmly put safety at the top of their agenda, to deliver innovative training to their riders.”

Paterson is also urging employers and those who may have been gifted a private e-scooter over the festive season to be aware that use is illegal on anything other than private property with permission from the landowner.

“Public use of e-scooters in the UK is currently only permissible legally using approved rental trial scooters,” he said. “Private e-scooter misuse carries the potential for fines and penalty points.”