This morning's commute and other commuting stories

I see a few a day and I agree with you. Their use benefits us all through lower emissions and less strain on the buses/tubes etc. And the people I see riding them are definitely not people who would otherwise ride or walk. Seem to be people who dress smart for work and don't want to sweat etc. This is backed up by the one person I know who owns one and he definitely fits the category.

Always thought it was weird that driving without a license is an offence that gives you points on the license you don't have.

Not really sure how comfortable I am about a 20kg vehicle capable of going 39kmh (just the Boosted release, others capable of faster and heavier) with just a twist of the handle riding around the roads as it currently stands without any form of regulation though.

Still better than a car imo, most people would probably use them sensibly, those who dont will still only be riding a scooter, instead of driving a large metal box in a similar manner.

A member of my team uses one to finish their commute after they have driven most of the way to work. They find a parking spot and then scoot in the final section, which amounts to a 20 minute walk.

Given that they are cheap and I think considered fairly disposable I'm not sure how much of a good thing they are.

When they've all fallen off at speed and visited their local A&E, the novelty will wear off.

See also: winter.

cheap and I think considered fairly disposable

£100+

I think I'd prefer to own a pub bike. At least that doesn't need charging.

I've seen a few delivery drivers who are presumably circumventing some laws by having what appear to be 'E-Mopeds' which look like a normal 'motor scooter' but have some rather feeble looking cranks and pedals attached to the drive train, they even have licence plate holders, but so fair i've only seen vanity plates.

same with those e-long boards, I can't believe their that safe for commuting, yet i see them quite a lot.

Yes, I guess there will have to be some legislation in the not-too-distant future to cover all those technical possibilities that old laws only cover very bluntly. The whole e-bike thing is certainly a regulatory nightmare and a bit of a morass at the moment, e.g. that you can simply delimit them and go 40mph or something.

you can simply delimit them and go 40mph or something.

Where do I get one?

I'm just not sure how many car journeys it will actually replace. Anybody who is currently driving is unlikely to switch to a scooter I'd think. The usual excuses of taking the kids to school or needing to carry large things that can't be taken on bike or public transport aren't fixed by the use of a scooter. The only replacement I can see is to and from train stations/other transport, which cuts down a small amount but again, if you're not doing this already because it is too far away and a car is preferable I doubt a scooter will seem like the answer. You then also have the issue of dragging and storing a heavy combersome plank in an already overcrowded train/bus.

Like you even need one to go at 40mph.

Yeah, but going at 40mph without breaking a sweat... that's useful. #noshowers

They are great fun though... if you want to try- give me a shout. ;)
I don't think they work in London as a commuter, either the scooter or the Boosted. I think the crackdown will be very short-lived.

My brother has one and uses it to ride a shared path (disused railway) to work and back. The article says they can only be used on private land: is he risking a fine?

is he risking a fine?

Yep

But sweating makes you lose weight!

Easily put back on by my favourite hobby (drinking) though.

Why are so many road users reluctant to indicate? Indicating is one of the most enjoyable things about riding a bike.

I've come to the conclusion they are either charged per 'click',
or,
the personal leasing companies have decided that indicators are a frivolous accessory that no-one deserves.

Easily put back on by my job (drinking), though.

Fixed.

Maybe I should do a beer sommelier course and get paid to drink and recommend beers.
Was at a Siren tap takeover last night. I really like Siren beers - most of them are hitters.

Siren are pretty good. Been to their brewery few weeks ago. :) I like their barley wine too Maiden

Don't know if this has or needs a thread of its own, but has anyone else noticed an increase in cars that reek of ganja passing them. I'm not in London but on my commute home I'd say 85-90% of the time at least one car passes me that smells strongly of weed. I've got no problems with anyone smoking cannabis but I'd prefer they weren't driving cars whilst doing it. A bit of googling suggest the government have a limit on it in the similar vein to the alcohol limit: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/drug-driving#table-of-drugs-and-limits