Electric scooters are now legal in almost all major European countries and it’s likely only a matter of time before legislation is introduced to fully legalise them in the UK too.
While we don’t know for sure what the rules and requirements will look like, researchers from the University of Warwick, with support from Cenex, recently published Micromobility: a UK roadmap, a report that sets out a legal framework for micromobility vehicles and offers recommendations on the standards and features they should offer.
When designing the Nought.one, it was important for us to consider these possibilities at every step of the design journey to ensure you’ll be ready to ride- faster, lighter, smarter and safer.
Here’s a look at what the report suggests and how we’ve designed the next generation electric scooter with those recommendations in mind.
Micromobility report key recommendations
The report is intended to support regulatory change through parliament and the upcoming legislation changes that will help e-scooters operate legally and safely in the UK. As part of that, it offers guidance on a set of standards and features that vehicles like e-scooters should meet, which we’ve considered carefully throughout our entire design process. Here’s a few examples.
One first important and unsurprising recommendation is that for fitted brakes, and a minimum rate of deceleration. It then also recommends that electric scooters have integrated indicators to improve visibility for current road users. Rest assured, the Nought.one has both – we’ve added powerful dual brakes and indicators on both ends of the handlebars so you don’t have to worry about hand gestures and one-handed riding in city traffic.
The report then recommends that e-scooters are fitted with front and rear lights, to be illuminated at all times. The Nought.one has a powerful full-beam headlight to help you find your way and brake lights to keep other drivers informed of your movements.
While it is not yet known what the legislation will decide, it’s probable that there will also be a minimum wheel diameter. The Nought.one’s 10-inch diameter is more than likely to meet this requirement.
We’ve also considered other key specs such as throttle control, battery safety requirements, vehicle width, construction and Vehicle Identification Numbers to make sure you’re covered.
Going above and beyond
We’ve designed the Nought.one to go above and beyond what the legislation is likely to require in many cases.
For extra rider ease, we’ve added an integrated user interface screen to show your speed, estimated remaining mileage, total mileage, current battery life, and whether the indicators are on or off.
We’ve also considered the safety of the scooter itself – with its folding design, it’s easy to fold the Nought.one in two and roll it inside with you where it can stand upright, taking up minimum space.
The Nought.one is also one of few electric scooters to offer a two-year warranty, and a service and maintenance plan, so you always have the right support to keep your scooter in its best and safest condition.
Based on the report’s recommendations, we’re confident that the Nought.one will not only meet, but exceed, the requirements of the new legislation. Watch this space!
