Main question:

Should e-scooters be allowed on our roads?

Does anyone know what we can see? They are e-scooters!

Parts of London (and other places in the UK) are trialing using e-scooters in public.

• What's the difference between toy scooters that we may have at home and e-scooters?

• What may be the pros and cons of using e-scooters?
• Overall, do you think that e-scooters should be used on our roads?

To use one of the e-scooters on the new trial, you need to have taken an online course and have a driving licence.

• Why do you think the requirements for renting e-scooters are so high?
• Do you think they should be?
• Currently, helmets for those using e-scooters aren’t a legal requirement as is the case for other means of transport – do you think they should be a legal requirement?

Watch the following Newsround link.

Reflection

New forms of transport are being developed all the time! Some may make our journeys quicker, others may be better for the environment whilst some may come with additional risks. When considering the transport we take, it’s important to think of safety first!

Question: Who would benefit from using an e-scooter?

Listen, think, share 

Think about e-scooters.

Do you know anyone who owns one or has used one?

Do you think you would enjoy using one? 

E-scooters are categorised as ‘powered transporters’. The laws that apply to motor vehicles also apply to powered transporters so it can be tricky to have a privately owned e-scooter, that you are able to use on the road.

• Who do you think feels they will benefit from using the e-scooter?
• Who doesn’t?
• Can you think of any other people who might benefit?

Discuss the benefits of using an e-scooter.

• Are there any drawbacks? E.g. you can’t transport your children. 
• Thinking about the impact e-scooters might have on the environment, congestion and journey times, do you think that there is a potential benefit for everyone? 
• The trial e-scooters can be used by people with a driving licence (full or provisional) in some places in the UK. Why do you think the e-scooters are being trialled?
• Do you think it is a good idea to trial the e-scooters in some places before deciding whether they should be used everywhere? Why?

Reflection

There are many people who could potentially benefit from the use of e-scooters. A trial is taking place to help decide if e-scooters should be used in the future.