• The UK can be a global leader in developing PMVs
• Micro vehicles must be accessible and convenient
• Supporting infrastructure will need to be built
• PMVs should be divided into subcategories and regulated accordingly

Small electric vehicles present a huge opportunity to decarbonise transport, reduce congestion, improve air quality and reduce car dependency in our cities.

But while the global market for these vehicles is growing rapidly, the UK is far behind other countries in adopting them – and our vehicle developers currently have a market share of less than 1% as a result.

A new report titled Micromobility: a UK Roadmap, researched and written by WMG at the University of Warwick and low-emission vehicle consultancy Cenex, sets out proposals which will address these issues, unleashing micromobility innovation across the UK.

Before work can begin on building more vehicles, and the infrastructure needed to support their use, definitions must be put in place to enable regulation of PMVs in Britain, says the report[1].

The main finding was that “one size does not fit all” and different regulations should be applied to different vehicle types. The report suggests the formation of one overarching PMV category, with three distinct vehicle subcategories.

While each category will have its own regulations, efforts must be made to lower barriers to uptake of these vehicles if we are to reduce our dependency on cars and vans.

[1] Report compiled by University of Warwick.

1. E-scooters

These single-rider machines should have a maximum speed of 15.5mph, a maximum power of 500W, and a maximum unladen weight of 55kg, says the report. It suggests there should be no licence requirement for riders, who must be aged 14 or older.

2. Light electric cargo vehicles

These vehicles are intended for cargo transportation and should have a maximum speed of 15.5mph, a maximum power of 2kW and a maximum weight of 600kg. They should not be wider than 1.2m, in order to fit in cycle lanes. Riders should be 16 or older.

3. Electric light mopeds

These are identified by the motorcycle industry as a natural pathway to powered two-wheelers in the current ‘L’ category road vehicle regulations. Further trials are required to determine speed limits and their enforcement, and whether ELMs should be allowed on cycleways.