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Amazon and Argos Caught Selling E-Scooters for ‘Commuting’ Despite Road Ban
Retailers are promoting models for commuting and urban riding as official data show 10 deaths and 1,484 injuries in e-scooter collisions last year.
- Major British retailers including Amazon, Currys, Argos, and Halfords face criticism for marketing e-scooters with language like "urban riding" and "commuting," despite UK law strictly banning privately-owned e-scooters from public roads and pavements.
- Government figures indicate up to 950,000 e-scooters are now believed to be privately owned across England, a proliferation linked to 10 deaths and 485 serious injuries in collisions during 2025.
- Currys told customers they could purchase a "fun, efficient means of getting around your local area," while Argos suggested "smooth rides, whether you're gliding to work or cruising for fun." Both quotes omitted legal restrictions.
- Following inquiries from the Press Association, Argos and Currys updated websites to remove misleading advertisements and added warnings that privately-owned e-scooters are prohibited on public highways.
- East London coroner Graeme Irvine issued a "prevention of future deaths" report after a 14-year-old's death, while the Department for Transport reviews e-scooter trials to ensure future legislation protects riders and pedestrians.
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Retailers are advertising e-scooters as road suitable, despite this being against UK law
An investigation by the Press Association found major brands, including Amazon, Argos, Currys, and others were promoting the use of e-scooters on the roads, despite this being against the law in the UK. Rented e-scooters can be driven on roads, as well as cycle paths and parks. Privately owned ones cannot, which is where this marketing stands to be criticised by the investigation, as it is for e-scooters that consumers would own. The BBC report…
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution78% Center
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources are Center
78% Center
L 22%
C 78%
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