Renew MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has called on the European Commission to introduce a mandatory online safety assessment and certification system, or 'e-permit', for all e-scooter and e-bike users, citing growing road safety risks from their largely unregulated use. The proposal would affect millions of users across the EU, as well as national transport authorities, vehicle-sharing companies, and other road users.
The parliamentary question, submitted on 15 April 2026, asks the Commission to take immediate steps to address the regulatory gap that allows individuals as young as 16 to operate these vehicles on public roads without formal knowledge of road safety or traffic rules, despite acceleration capabilities comparable to motorised vehicles that require licences.
Concrete asks and policy direction
The question contains three concrete asks: first, that the Commission commit to implementing user education through a short online road safety assessment; second, enforce accountability via a permit system; and third, enable collection of anonymised usage data to better inform infrastructure planning. The stated aim is to decisively reduce the increasing number of accidents involving e-scooters and e-bikes, while maintaining support for these vehicles as a convenient and sustainable mode of transport.
The MEP's proposal leans toward stronger EU-level regulation of micromobility, prioritising safety over the current light-touch approach. This reflects a tension between consumer protection and business competitiveness: sharing operators could face higher compliance costs, while users would gain clearer safety standards. National authorities may need to set up or adapt permit databases, and other road users could benefit from fewer accidents.
Expected follow-up
The Commission is required to reply to written parliamentary questions within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it sees merit in EU-wide action or prefers to leave regulation to member states. A positive response could lead to a legislative proposal; a negative one would leave the current patchwork of national rules in place.