Are e-scooters a sensible alternative to public transport in Wales?
Video report by Rob Osborne
E-scooters have been a common sight in Europe for some years and now they are growing in popularity in the UK.
In July, the use of rental scooters on roads was made legal by the UK Government as they look for alternative transport methods due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, e-scooters are only available for hire in certain areas.
One Welsh firm is hoping to create a UK-wide network where people can hire e-scooters via an app. GOiA, based in Cardiff and Aberdare, is currently in talks with local authorities across Wales but has ambitions to roll out 200 e-scooters across the capital with docking stations similar to e-bikes. Supporters say they are a good alternative as public transport options are reduced due to coronavirus.
Jarrad Morris, the group managing director said: "Wales has a huge opportunity to lead the way in micro-mobility and build on excellent schemes such as Nextbike in Cardiff.
"By utilising the latest technology, we can use e-scooters as a key travel option throughout towns and cities, not just for last mile journeys but areas where having a car might be impractical."
"It's full GPS technology built into the scooter, we know where the scooters are, who's using them and how they're being used. But it also means we can limit the speed on the scooters so in built up areas we can limit how they're used as well."
Under the plans, people would need a provisional driving licence to rent a scooter to stop children from accessing them.
There are concerns about the impact of e-scooters on our main roads and pavements, with charities warning they could impact disabled people and the visually impaired. RNIB Cymru fear they could have an effect on the blind and their ability to go out and about independently.
"We're really concerned about the potential negative impact they could have on blind and partially sighted people's ability to get out and about safely and independently. We're opposed to them being on the pavement. Obviously being silent vehicles they're particularly difficult to detect" says Nathan Owen from the RNIB.
The Welsh Government say they are in talks about trialling the scooters in Wales but there will be a balance between embracing new green transport and ensuring rider and pedestrian remain safe.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said:
“Electric scooters offer the potential for low carbon transport, offering an alternative to car use for many urban journeys in particular. We have engaged with the UK Government to discuss the potential for trials in Wales and publicised the opportunity to Welsh local authorities. The scope of trials depends on interest at local authority level."
Privately owned scooters ridden in public are still illegal in Wales.