A leading Gloucestershire eMobility retailer has welcomed news that 'independent sustainable transport' will be prioritised as the current restrictions are gradually lifted, warning that otherwise car travel could become the default option.

Ollie Chadwick, managing director of Cirencester based Electra-Zoom, said: "The coronavirus crisis has created many difficulties, but it has also given us quieter, cleaner, safer, decongested towns and cities.

"To retain these benefits we must embrace sustainable options - now - if we are to ever change our travelling and commuting habits. We are, therefore, delighted to hear that substantial investment will be made to support this."

"The current coronavirus crisis has brought us to a crossroads in our lifetime. We now have an opportunity to make many positive changes especially with regard to the way in which we travel, and particularly how we travel in urban areas. Clean, low cost, sustainable options such as cycling, walking and scootering offer a wealth of benefits."

At the present time eScooters are entirely legal in many countries and cities and on private land and commercial sites in the UK. However, despite eBikes and foot-scooters being legal on the public road eScooters are not - although they are in widespread use. It is this anomaly that Mr Chadwick has said requires urgent clarification, together with a sensible 'code of usage'.

Mr Chadwick added: "Without clear guidance and incentives, quite the opposite could happen. More people could defer to cars believing this provides the isolation and security they need, which would be a major environmental setback.

"Bikes and eBikes are gaining renewed popularity, but many cyclists still fear the return of high volumes of motor vehicle traffic.

"eScooters are already in widespread use, but are still not formally legalised, and many potential users are eagerly awaiting this clarification.

"The recent OECD Report concluded that eScooters would be safe and provide many benefits, and the Government are reported to be reviewing the legislation with a change in the law expected in the imminent future.

"So, we have written to the transport minister, Grant Shapps, asking him to expedite this legislation, so that people can revolutionise the way they travel, in tandem with the return to work and the arrival of summer, without the risks of overcrowded public transport or reliance on cars."