Campaign group says Wales is being left behind as parties urged to back legal framework for trials

POLITICAL parties contesting the Senedd election are being urged to commit to new laws that would allow shared e-scooter schemes to operate legally in Wales.

The call has come from Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), a charity which promotes shared transport, ahead of voters going to the polls in May.

At present, Wales has no public shared e-scooter trials, unlike parts of England where pilot schemes have been running since 2020. CoMoUK says that means communities in Wales are missing out on what it describes as a cheap, flexible and greener form of transport.

The charity has published six pledges it wants the next Welsh Government to support. Among them is a commitment to pass the legislation needed to allow shared e-scooter schemes on public roads.

CoMoUK said cities including Cardiff, Swansea and Newport would be well placed to host trials if the legal framework was introduced.

As well as calling for shared e-scooters, the organisation wants the next Welsh Government to create a dedicated shared transport team, expand car club provision, support shared bike schemes, and provide long-term funding for mobility hubs linking different forms of transport together.

It is also urging ministers to ensure new housing developments are designed to reduce dependence on private cars and include shared transport options.

Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said Wales had a chance to put sustainable transport “at the heart” of political debate ahead of the election.

He said: “Communities in England have benefited from the flexibility of shared e-scooters for years, and it is high time that this innovative form of transport was trialled in Wales too.

“As well as giving e-scooter schemes the green light, enacting our other pledges would help the next Welsh Government unlock a cleaner, greener, and more affordable future for all.”

Supporters of shared e-scooters argue they could help cut congestion, reduce emissions and make short urban journeys easier without relying on private cars.

However, any move towards legalising schemes in Wales is likely to prompt debate over safety, enforcement and where such schemes would be most appropriate.

At present, no Welsh political party has committed itself to introducing the legislation CoMoUK is calling for.