Do Brummies want e-scooters for hire to return to Birmingham? New data shows numbers in favour

A new survey of Brummies’ attitudes to e-scooters has revealed uncertainty around their use on public roads.

Last week, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) announced the return of a new e-scoooters for hire scheme after a previous trial was paused earlier in the year. The former scheme with Swedish company Voi was paused from March 1 as transport chiefs announced they were looking for a new contact following safety concerns.

Now TfWM has appointed UK shared transport operator Beryl to deliver a new e-scooter hire scheme for the region. The first phase of the scheme will see e-scooters hit the streets of Birmingham in June, with further phases to be rolled out during the rest of 2023 and beyond.

Safety concerns have been the primary issue with the scheme over the last couple of years. The decision to halt the Voi e-scooter hire scheme came with many in Birmingham followed an incident which left a teenage boy with life threatening injuries in February.

The teenage boy sustained life threatening injuries after the e-scooter he was riding collided with a car in Balsall Heath at 5.30am. And in December last year, 12-year-old boy Mustafa Nadeem died after he was riding an e-scooter when he collided with a bus on Bordesley Green.

What does the new data show?

A new survey by National Accident Helpline shows that more than half of Birmingham residents think e-scooters should be banned.

The new research from National Accident Helpline, surveying 2000 people, shows that:

• 53% of people in Birmingham agree e-scooters should be banned from public roads,
• 70% in the city agree people should have a license to ride an e-scooter on public roads, and
• 69% of Birmingham residents agree people should be required to have insurance to ride an e-scooter on public roads.

The number of people calling for e-scooters to be banned from public roads in Birmingham is below the percentage for teh whole of Britian. The data shows that two-thirds of those surveyed do not think e-scooters should be legal on public roads, while three quarters believe a driving licence and insurance should be a requirement to use an e-scooter.

Here’s the national figures in full:

• 63% of respondents agree that e-scooters should be banned from public roads,
• 73% of respondents agree that people should be required to have a driving license to ride an e-scooter on public roads, and
• 76% of respondents agree that people should be required to have insurance to ride an e-scooter on public roads.

The survey comes after a series of high-profile accidents and legal cases involving e-scooters across the country. The National Accident Helpline surve shows the number of deaths from e-scooter accidents has tripled in the last 12 months.

Government statistics reveal there were 1,349 crashes between June 2021 and 2022 involving e-scooters, compared with 978 crashes the year before. Analysis by the Department for Transport shows that scooter users are about three times more likely to get hurt compared to cyclists.

What’s been said about the findings?

Jonathan White, Legal and Compliance Director at National Accident Helpline said: “E-scooters are an increasingly important part of the UK’s transport portfolio. They are a good cheap form of transport which have significant environmental benefits. The reality though is they can be dangerous.

“Not only does the lack of regulation around private e-scooters cause concern but the silent nature of the vehicles means pedestrians crossing roads, are very vulnerable to accidents. Our survey shows that requirements for driving licenses and insurance are key to restoring confidence.

“With growing concern around the safety of e-scooters in the UK, it’s vital that people know the law and understand whether they’re eligible to make a clam if an accident occurs or is not their fault.

“Education is key and the Department of Transport should make it clear to the public that it is illegal to use a private e-scooter on public roads and in almost all public places in the UK, and that they could incur fines and penalties if caught.

“The Department of Transport should also take action against retailers which fail to properly inform customers of the risks and regulations around the use of private e-scooters. They should be prepared to cooperate with police in taking enforcement action against illegal and unsafe use of private e-scooters.”

E-scooter trials to resume in city

The first phase of the Beryl scheme will see e-scooters hit the streets of Birmingham in June, with further phases to be rolled out during the rest of 2023 and beyond. The UK-based operator was awarded the contract following an open tender process.

TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), stressed that it supports a well-run and regulated e-scooter hire scheme as an affordable and environmentally-friendly alternative to the car.

It considers e-scooters useful for shorter journeys around towns and cities. Only e-scooters hired from the approved trial scheme can be ridden on the highway and public places. Once on the streets, the e-scooters will be available to hire alongside the West Midlands Cycle Hire under the Beryl app, providing a truly integrated sustainable transport scheme for the region. TfWM said full details of the scheme - including pricing, parking locations, safety measures and launch date - will be announced in due course.

What has TfWM said about the Beryl scheme in its own words?

Mike Waters, director of policy, strategy and innovation with TfWM, said: “E-scooters have proved popular in Birmingham over the last few years, so we know many users will be pleased to see the new Beryl hire service on the streets in time for the summer.

“There’s an added benefit as those who are already signed up for West Midlands Cycle Hire will conveniently be able to use the same app to rent an e-scooter. Making it easier and safer for people to walk, cycle and scoot, especially for those shorter journeys, is a key part of our emerging Local Transport Plan and will assist with improving both our heath and the wider environment.”