Cars could face an uncertain future on UK roads as greener transport alternatives such as e-bikes and e-scooters gain momentum across the country.
It comes after a report suggested that shared mobility schemes, particularly e-scooters, have been increasingly replacing car journeys in urban areas.
The shift follows the Government continuing to evaluate the role of newer transport options in achieving net zero emissions targets.
With trials of rental e-scooters ongoing since July 2020, these electric alternatives have become a common sight in towns and cities.
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E-scooter rental trials have been extended until 2026 GETTYBut the growing popularity of such schemes has now raised questions about the long-term dominance of cars on British streets.
The report by transport charity CoMoUK revealed that 21 per cent of shared e-scooter riders would use a car for their most common journey if e-scooters were not available. For rental bike users, this figure stands at 16 per cent.
These statistics highlight a significant shift in urban transport habits, with many commuters choosing greener alternatives when available.
The findings also suggest that expanding access to shared micromobility schemes could further reduce car dependency in UK cities.
Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said: “The ease, speed and convenience of shared bike and scooter schemes means that users cut the number of trips they take by private car, which in turn reduces traffic congestion and improves air quality.
“Shared micromobility schemes are growing in popularity across the UK, but there is enormous potential for them to expand further and faster, helping us reach net zero in the process.”
The charity added that it believes these schemes could play a crucial role in transforming urban transport networks. With proper support, they could significantly reduce car dependency in cities.
Despite their growing popularity, e-scooters exist in a legal grey area in the UK. Trials of rental e-scooters on roads in England have been ongoing in towns and cities since July 2020.
However, privately owned e-scooters cannot be legally ridden on roads or pavements in the UK. But thishasn’t stopped them from becoming a common sight, particularly in urban areas.
The disparity between rental schemes and private ownership has created what CoMoUK describes as “years of confusion about their status”.
This regulatory uncertainty remains a significant barrier to the wider adoption of these green transport alternatives. Dilks called for “bolder action from both national and local government” to encourage shared micromobility schemes.
This includes extending existing e-scooter trials in England beyond May 2026. He also advocated for creating new trials in areas where councils and operators want them.
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E-scooters can only be used on public roads in trial areas
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“Ultimately, we would like ministers to move forward with the legalisation of e-scooters, which would end years of confusion about their status on the roads, and ensure that every vehicle is as safe as those used in the shared schemes,” he said.
CoMoUK also urged councils to establish “mobility hubs” connecting e-scooter and e-bike users with buses and trains. The report also highlighted additional benefits of shared mobility options beyond reducing car usage.
According to the study, 84 per cent of shared bike users say it makes their trips quicker. Meanwhile, 26 per cent of rental e-scooter riders reported mental health benefits from using the service.
A Department for Transport spokesman shared: “We’re working to make green transport options more accessible and better integrated within our existing network, giving the public more flexibility and choice in how they travel.
“We’re running trials of rental e-scooters to assess their benefits, wider impacts, and to inform options for future regulations.”
