The British brand Swifty Scooters launches the first legal electric scooter in England
At the forefront of innovation, British manufacturer Swifty Scooters, has introduced the first electric scooter recognized as legal in the United Kingdom and eligible for use with a provisional driving license.
The Swifty Go GT500 model arrives as a promising solution to the slow evolution of electric scooter legislation, despite their popularity and potential to reduce urban congestion and polluting emissions.
Private vehicles remain in a legal grey area, unlike those included in authorized sharing programs on public roads.
A step towards green mobility awaiting clear legislation
Manufacturers, dealers, and users express their discontent with the government’s reluctance to adopt these new modes of transport.
The absence of a regulatory framework holds back the evolution of the electric scooter market and ignores the environmental benefits of personal electric vehicles.
Swifty Go GT500: Features and legal compliance
Built in the UK, the Swifty Go GT500 complies with the legal standards of mopeds, making it a legal option for holders of a provisional license in the UK.
Offering a top speed of 38 km/h and a range of 40 km, it combines performance and practicality.
Its 500W motor and 540Wh Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery ensure safety and efficiency. With 16-inch wheels, dual suspension, full lighting, indicators, front and rear luggage racks, and hydraulic disc brakes, this scooter promises stability and comfortable driving. Weighing 34 kg, it can support a maximum weight of 120 kg.
The implications of classification as a moped
Being classified as a moped, the SwiftyGo will require registration, insurance, and the affixing of a license plate. Wearing a certified motorcycle helmet is mandatory for the driver. Moreover, the use of this scooter is prohibited on bicycle paths and sidewalks, with its use being limited to roads. This restriction could deter some potential buyers concerned about traveling on a small vehicle within dense or fast traffic.
A provisional solution pending a suitable legal framework
While the Swifty Go GT500 represents a viable option for electric scooter enthusiasts cooled by their ambiguous legal status, its broader adoption and impact on urban mobility still largely depend on the government’s ability to establish a consistent and encouraging legal framework. Unfortunately, the implementation of such measures does not seem to be in the near future.
