Redbridge Council is pushing for stricter regulation and enforcement of e-scooters and e-bikes, citing safety concerns and misuse within the borough.
The move comes as Councillor Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, is scheduled to move a motion at the council meeting on Thursday, June 26, 2025, addressing the dangerous use of illegal electric scooters and illegally adapted electric bikes in the borough.
The motion calls for government regulation of all e-scooters and e-bikes, increased Metropolitan Police enforcement, and clearer guidance from companies on the legal status of e-scooters.
The council's concerns stem from the increasing number of casualties involving e-scooters. Councillor Blackman's motion highlights that in 2022, there were over 1,400 casualties involving escooters across the UK, including 12 fatalities.
The council also aims to educate the public about the risks associated with illegal e-bikes and e-scooters.
The meeting will also address other key issues, including a motion from Councillor Vanisha Solanki, Deputy Leader of the Council & Labour Group and Cabinet Member for Finance, to join the Local Government Association's (LGA) Debate Not Hate campaign, and a motion from Councillor Rosa Gomez regarding proposed government cuts to disability benefits. The council is also scheduled to discuss changes to its constitution and committee appointments. The full agenda can be found in the Agenda frontsheet 26th-Jun-2025 19.15 Council.pdf.