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Specialist retailer Pure Electric has called on the Government to bring forward the legalisation of e-scooters, as petrol prices hit a 17-year-high amid a cost of living crisis.
Bristol-based chain Pure Electric, which specialises in e-bikes and e-scooter sales, has urged Ministers to act now to allow access to low-cost, zero-emission transport.
On Thursday (9th June), the RAC revealed that the average cost of filling a tank of petrol in the UK hit £100, putting significant pressure on household spending.
The Government has already announced plans for a new e-scooter category, paving the way for the legalisation of private-use scooters on the roads, but it is not clear when the new legislation will be brought in.
Responding to the surging petrol prices, Pure Electric CEO Becks DeNiro said: “Spiralling petrol costs are the tip of the iceberg for people amidst a cost of living crisis. With no clear sign of the price of fuel decreasing, the Government must act now to enable new regulations around e-scooters to allow people the opportunity of low-cost, low carbon travel at a fraction of the cost of fuel-powered journeys.”
On Tuesday, 7th June, petrol prices jumped by the highest amount in 17 years, increasing by more than 2p per litre.
The soaring fuel prices have been sparked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as European nations have moved to reduce their dependence on Russian oil.
Average petrol prices are currently 182.31p for unleaded, and 188.05p for diesel.
RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams said: “While fuel prices have been setting new records on a daily basis, households up and down the country may never have expected to see the cost of filling an average-sized family car reach three figures. With RAC research showing as many as eight-in-10 depend on their cars many must be wondering if any further financial support from the Government will be forthcoming.”
Last month, the Government announced plans for a new vehicle category that would pave the way for the legalisation of private-use e-scooters.
The new vehicle category would cater for low speed, zero emission vehicles, with e-scooters likely to be the first vehicles added to that category.
It is currently illegal to ride privately-owned electric scooters on public roads without a licence or insurance.
There are more than 30 trial scooter rental schemes in operation across the UK, which the Government is using to collect safety data to inform any updated legislation.
While the new Transport Bill, which would include e-scooter legislation, is slated for the 2022-23 parliamentary session, it’s not clear when the new laws will be introduced.
