Our Framework
Policy Recommendations
Although the use of micromobility devices (Rideables) in public spaces is currently not legal in the UK, we have set out below our recommendations for their use once they are legal. We have based this on guidance used by other countries who have legalised Rideables.
Rideables.org is committed to promoting clean urban transportation in the UK. It is recognised that changing travel patterns and emerging new technologies offer environmental benefits and reduce traffic congestion. However, as with all transportation, micromobility devices need to be used in a safe and responsible way.
Rideables.org would recommend that devices meet certain specifications to be legal for use in public spaces. These focus on characteristics such as dimensions, mass and speed, as well as ensuring devices have appropriate braking mechanisms and no sharp protrusions. Also included is a range of conditions which place obligations on users to act in a safe and respectful manner, particularly when interacting with pedestrians.
In summary the new policy recommendations provide the following:
- Micromobility devices include, but are not limited to electric scooters, electric unicycles and electric skateboards. We would recommend that Rideables meet the following requirements:
- Be designed to carry one person.
- Have one or more wheels.
- Be propelled by an electric motor.
- Have a maximum unladen weight of 50kg.
- Have an effective stopping system controlled by using brakes, gears and/or motor control.
- Have no sharp protrusions.
- Rideables should only be ridden where bicycles are legally allowed and must not be ridden on the pavement.
- Local councils have the power to prohibit the use of these devices in areas such as malls and shopping centres. A user travelling on a public highway must give way to pedestrians, travel at a safe speed appropriate to the conditions and be able to stop safely.
- Rideables should be provided access to the road network for use on local roads. However, riders must not ride on roads where cycling is prohibited.
- Privately owned Rideable devices should adhere to the same national road / cycle path speed limits as motor vehicles & bicycles.
- Given the range of Rideables that could fall within the legislation, warning devices such as bells are recommended.
- A Rideable must not be towed by a vehicle, and a user must not hold onto a vehicle while the vehicle is moving.
- To help ensure that Rideables are used safely and responsibly, riders should follow the below guidelines:
- Should keep to the left on the road.
- Never ride more than two abreast, ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding around bends.
- Not ride close behind another vehicle.
- Should not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up in your wheel(s).
- Must not have more than one rider on the device.
- At night your device must have a white front and red rear light.
- Riders must wear a helmet at all times when riding a device.
- Riders must not ride when under the influence of drink or drugs including medicine.
- Riders must not ride in a dangerous, careless, or inconsiderate manner.
- Riders must be 16 years of age and above.
- Riders must obey all traffic signs and traffic signals.
- Riders must have valid third party insurance (as a minimum) when available.
Community Guidelines for Responsible Riding
Road Safety
- Wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
- Build up your confident level and riding experience on your own before going on public roads.
- When on group rides, avoid pack mentality and be aware of your surroundings. For example, don’t blindly follow other riders or assume that the path ahead is safe. Obey road traffic signals and lights.
- Hold out an arm in the direction that you’re turning to let riders behind you know; hold a fist above your head to signal stopping.
- Remain cautious and don’t assume cars will stop for you.
- Attach lights to your Rideables and/or helmet to be seen by others at night.
Riding Etiquette
- Respect pedestrians and stop within reasonable distance.
- Don’t abuse others via the use of whistles/horns.
- If on group rides, share the responsibility of ensuring fellow riders aren’t left behind.
- Split large groups up to minimise risk and ensure rider safety.
- Always bring your device’s charger.
- Avoid plugging too many chargers into wall outlets as they may blow a fuse.
- If you’re riding with a group, share your location via Telegram, WhatsApp or other communication platforms. This will help you find the group if you are ever separated.
Electric Unicycle Competency
At Rideables we believe the competency of riders is of prime importance in building a safer and more accepted mode of transport in our cities and towns. Our list of competencies helps to grade riders and give them feedback on their general skill level.
This list is by no means exhausitve and we will continually update it as applicable.
Level 1
- Understand the basic components of an EUC
- Maintain control of your Electric Unicycle with one foot whilst dismounting with the other
- Self mount reliably
- Travel long distance in a straight line (1 mile+)
- Make tight radius turns while maintaining full control of your EUC
- Bring the device to a full stop from 15mph (25Kmh) whilst maintaining full control on uneven surfaces
- Able to ride at speed of 15.5mph and as low as 5kph for 1 mile and above
- Passed the Rideables Competency Test
Level 2
- Advanced stopping technique such as the one legged semi circle technique
- Able to ride 20 miles or more without a break on group rides
- Ride your Electric unicycle on trails and BMX pump tracks competently
Micromobility Overview
