PETER HITCHENS: E-scooters have turned our roads into a lawless Wild West
Columnist Peter Hitchens argues that e-scooters and e-bikes have made Britain’s roads less safe and insufficiently regulated. He says reported increases in injuries and deaths justify tougher controls to protect pedestrians and other law-abiding road users.
Hitchens calls for mandatory tests and number plates for all riders, describing current government rules as inadequate. The article is an opinion piece and provides no specific injury figures, policy details or independent evidence within the supplied text.
- Hitchens says e-scooters and e-bikes are poorly regulated.
- He cites concerns about injuries and pedestrian safety.
- He proposes tests and number plates for riders.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of tighter controls argue that widespread, poorly enforced e-scooter use can impose serious risks on pedestrians, cyclists and riders, particularly where machines are ridden on pavements, after dark or by inexperienced users. They contend that clear legal limits, effective policing, training and safer street design are needed because public space should not require vulnerable road users to absorb avoidable danger. The underlying value is that convenience and innovation must be matched by accountability and protection from harm.
The case against
Supporters of broader legalisation argue that e-scooters can provide an affordable, low-emission alternative to short car journeys and help people make first- and last-mile trips without owning a vehicle. They say the present legal framework is confusing and may itself encourage unregulated use, whereas a coherent licensing, insurance and infrastructure system could make riding substantially safer. The underlying value is that transport policy should enable practical new mobility options while managing risks proportionately rather than treating the technology itself as inherently lawless.