“Micro mobility and e-Scooter use is growing and their introduction is being encouraged by Government. We’re therefore looking at new safety standards for these given that Pods, for example, could be a common sight on our roads at the back end of this decade.”
Matthew Avery
Director of Insurance Research, Thatcham Research
New forms of transport, including automated pods and shuttles, are expected to form a significant part of the urban transportation model in the future. This will have a significant influence on insurance models.
In terms of bodily injury, it is clear to Thatcham Research that pods have not been designed with occupant protection in mind.
And our research has also shown that current AEB systems are less effective at reducing collisions with e-scooters than they are for pedestrians and cyclists.
In March 2021, the DfT published an open invitation to tender for a £1.2million contract to develop a safety assurance and approval scheme for automated pods and shuttles operating on public roads at speeds of up to 20 mph.
The tender indicates this scheme will go out to public consultation in early 2022.
If successful, it is likely automated pods and shuttles could be legalised from late 2022 or in early 2023.
