Select a region
Not one logical argument can be made in favour of restricting electric scooters at the same time as the Government encourages and subsidises physically larger electric bikes that boast significantly higher speeds.
Both electric bikes and electric scooters have two wheels and are powered by electric batteries.
Where they differ is in terms of size, shape, cost, and speed.
Electric bikes are significantly more expensive, costing thousands of pounds, which for many people is simply out of the realm of affordability.
Pictured: "Electric bikes are significantly more expensive, costing thousands of pounds; which for many people is simply out of the realm of affordability."
Furthermore, ironically, despite the current narrative, both in terms of size, shape, and speed, electric bikes are considerably more dangerous to pedestrians and vehicles, in the rare instances of an accident.
Electric scooters on the other hand are more reasonably priced, easier to store, and perhaps most importantly, provide the opportunity to commute and travel throughout the island for many islanders who simply cannot afford a car or electric bike.
Particularly in this time of prioritising greener forms of transportation, one would surely consider this a net positive?
By restricting the use of electric scooters, once again the powers that be in Jersey, create rules and regulations that overwhelmingly negatively impact those with less financial means, whilst encouraging and emboldening those with greater financial resources.
Can’t afford a car? Can’t afford an electric bike? I’m afraid your freedom is restricted, whilst others travel freely.
Pictured: E-scooters "provide the opportunity to commute and travel throughout the island for many islanders who simply cannot afford a car or electric bike".
Restrictions on electric scooters are logical, speed limits for example.
But how a government that actively promotes and encourages the use of electric bikes, can justify restricting the use of a more affordable option, appears to be nothing more than a personal dislike for one two wheeled vehicle versus another.
Perhaps this has more to do with those who have access to electric scooters versus those with access to electric bikes?
The current crackdown appears nothing more than reactionary people, seizing on the recent instances of poor individuals who have injured themselves, to punish those travelling in a manner they have a personal dislike for, entirely devoid of logic or reasonable considerations.
Until someone can provide a logically sound argument against the use of electric scooters, that doesn’t also apply to the electric bikes that the Government are happy to subsidise.
This comes across as nothing more than nonsensical hand waving, that punishes those without the financial means to afford the alternatives.
