An inquiry looking at the safety and legal implications of e-scooters has been launched by the Transport Committee.

The inquiry will consider what impact e-scooters can have reducing congestion and carbon emissions, and whether they should be allowed on roads, cycles lanes and/or pavements.

Huw Merriman, chair of the Transport Committee, said: 'Electric scooters could be a useful lever to reduce our transport carbon footprint but their environmental credentials have yet to be proven. These ‘powered transporters’ could reduce the amount of time we spend in cars and reduce congestion but we don’t want to score an own goal by encouraging the use of micromobility vehicles instead of walking and cycling.

'Road safety is a significant consideration. We must consider the dangers to other road users and especially pedestrians with visual impairments or those who use mobility aids and rely on clear pavements. Safety must also be a factor for riders of e-scooters.'

The UK is the last major European economy where e-scooters are banned everywhere except on private land.