Apple has released an update for iOS 15 that allows to to store and share verifiable records of Covid tests and vaccinations using your iPhone.
Apple itself never has access to your health records, and there's no centralized database that the company can access. Instead, your data stored on your device, and can be presented as a Smart Health Card in the Health app or your Apple Wallet whenever you need to use it in person.
The information (including your name and a unique QR code) isn't visible until you've verified your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode, at which point it will be displayed on screen. You should take care to protect your information once the card is unlocked. Another person can then scan the card using a third-party authentication app to verify your data.
Protecting your data
Only approved developers can request access to your health data, and and it can only be used for in-person events like allowing entry to a sports event or concert. You're always in full control of how and when your data is shared; third-party developers don't have continuous access, and must request it each time.
Developers must ensure that your data is encrypted while in transit and at rest, and provide a way for your to request or delete your data. You can also delete it from the Health app or your Wallet at any time.
When shopping for a stylus for your iPad, your first pick should be an Apple Pencil. The company's accessory syncs up perfectly with its tablet, as expected, and we are seeing loads of Apple Pencil offers popping up as Cyber Monday deals already
As the Apple Pencil Black Friday deals draw to a close, you may want to wait to see the incoming Cyber Monday deals in case prices drop even lower, but if you're looking for a discount now, you'll find today's best deals below.
Apple's products typically don't get discounted as much as other gadgets, but even they aren't immune from the Black Friday 2021 deals rush. These deals usually last through Cyber Monday on November 29 and maybe a little after... until supply runs out, anyway.
While we don't expect these deals to heavily discount the pricetags of either Apple stylus, you should be able to save a little on a new Apple Pencil 1 or Apple Pencil 2. You may also get a Black Friday iPad deal or a Cyber Monday iPad deal, if you're looking for a new tablet.
The Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil 2 are different, and older iPads may not be compatible with the newer stylus (and the oldest may not support either), so it's important to check which stylus works with your tablet ahead of time before making your purchase. As a rule, older iPads support the Apple Pencil 1 while the newest iPads should work with both, but the Apple Pencil 2 has some upgrades over its predecessor – which only the best iPads can benefit from, like magnetic attaching and charging.
As you'd expect, the original Apple Pencil 1 is cheaper than its successor, even if it lacks some advanced features, so make sure you're buying the right Apple stylus for your needs and iPad setup.
Apple Pencil 2:$129 $99 at Amazon
Save $22 on the Apple Pencil 2 with this 18% off Black Friday deal at Amazon. This gets you the second generation Apple stylus, which works with newer iPads only, but packs additional features like magnetic attachment and wireless charging.
Apple Pencil 1: $99$79 at Walmart Save $20 on the Apple Pencil 1 with this 20% off Black Friday deal at Walmart. This gets you the first generation Apple stylus, which works great with older iPads (and newer ones, too).
Apple Pencil 2: £119 £99.99 at Amazon
Save £19 - The Apple Pencil 2 is discounted this Cyber Monday by almost £20, and we're not expecting to see many bigger discounts during the big sales event. Before you buy this, make sure it's compatible with your iPad (and if it's not, the version below may be for you).
Apple Pencil 1: £89£74 at John Lewis Save £15 - The Apple Pencil is now properly discounted in the UK with a saving of £15 at John Lewis right now. This is for the original Apple Pencil, so make sure it's compatible with your iPad and you'll want to grab this before Cyber Monday ends.
Best Apple Pencil (1st gen) deals
Best Apple Pencil (2nd gen) deals
FAQs
Keep compatibility in mind when making your choice, too. The Apple Pencil 1 is compatible with these iPads:
iPad (9th generation)
iPad (8th generation)
iPad mini (5th generation)
iPad (7th generation)
iPad (6th generation)
iPad Air (3rd generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd generation)
iPad Pro 10.5-inch
iPad Pro 9.7-inch
Meanwhile, the Apple Pencil 2 is compatible with these iPads:
iPad mini (6th generation)
iPad Air (4th generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) and later
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) and later
Where are the best places to find Apple Pencil Cyber Monday deals?
When the deals kick up a gear, we expect the best Cyber Monday deals to be from Amazon. Last year did see Apple offer free gift cards with select devices. We've listed the most popular retailers ahead of Cyber Monday so that you can start to keep tabs on the trends.
Apple Pencil (1st Generation):$99$87.94 (save $11.06)
The original Apple Pencil is a fantastic companion for your iPad, giving you precise control. This 1st Generation version doesn't have the wireless charging and gesture controls of later models, but it's an absolute bargain for Cyber Monday and a great buy.
Official Apple iPad accessories: 10%-15% off at Amazon On Amazon, Apple is discounting loads of its iPad accessories including Lightning Cables, Apple Pencil tips and Smart Covers for loads of its different tablets.
$100 gift card with iPad Pro purchases from Apple If you're thinking of picking up a new iPad as well as an Apple Pencil, you can now get $100 in a gift card on certain iPad Pro purchases. If you're after something a bit smaller, you can also get $50 gift card when you buy the iPad mini.
Last year's best third-party stylus deals
If the original Apple Pencil is still too expensive, 2020 saw deals on third-party styluses. We may see similar to this later this year, if you're looking for a cheaper alternative to the Apple Pencil.
Adonit Dash 3:$44.99$35.99 at Amazon (save $9)
Adonit is widely regarded as one of the best names in third-party Apple Pencil alternatives, and this fine-tipped, pressure-sensitive stylus is a typical example of its work. It features two shortcut buttons and (unlike the first-gen Apple Pencil) isn't round, so it won't roll of your desk.
Adonit Note Stylus: $49.99$29.99 at Amazon (save $20)
This smart metallic stylus is one of the best alternatives if an Apple Pencil is out of your price range. It can keep going for 12 hours between charges, is slim and light, and has a handy clip to keep it secure in your pocket. It might not match the real deal, but for a third-party stylus it's pretty decent.
The Fitbit Charge 3 is at its lowest price ever at Amazon right now, and is on sale for just a hair under £75. We've never seen its price this low before, even on Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, so this is a great opportunity to snap up an excellent fitness tracker for a bargain price.
When we reviewed the Fitbit Charge 3, we were impressed by its slim profile, lightweight design, and large touchscreen that displays a wide range of health and fitness stats with a swipe of your finger.
It's comfortable to wear all day and all night, which is good to know since it also features sleep tracking, monitoring your patterns of light, REM and deep sleep, which you can then check in the morning to see how well rested you are, and make lifestyle changes accordingly. Drinking less caffeine in the afternoon, for example, getting to bed earlier, or not working out so late.
The Fitbit app will also show changes in your heart rate throughout the day, and when you're exercising. It can then use these figures to calculate a 'fitness score', which will give you a good idea of your cardiovascular wellbeing. Improved workouts should improve this score over time, letting you see real benefits.
Battery life is impressive too, as the Fitbit Charge 3 should last six days or more between charges.
If you've been considering picking up a fitness tracker or looking for an entry-level running watch, this is the perfect opportunity. There's no on-board GPS (you'll need the newer Fitbit Charge 4 for that) so you'll need to carry your phone if you want to map your runs, but it otherwise has pretty much everything you could ask for in a fitness tracker.
Electric scooter trials are due to begin in cities throughout the UK very soon, but the rules will be pretty strict, requiring all drivers to own a driving license, and not everyone is happy about the idea of rented two-wheelers on the streets at all.
The government classes electric scooters as "active travel", along with walking and cycling, and in May announced that it was moving the date of planned trial schemes forward from 2021 to 2020 to help encourage people to choose greener, healthier transport options as we emerge from coronavirus lockdown.
The proposed rules for riders would limit scooters to roads and cycle lanes, and require at least a provisional driving license. This would restrict their use to people aged 16 and over. Helmets would be recommended, too.
PACTS is an informal cross-party group dedicated to examining transport safety, made up of members of the House of Commons and House of Lords. It doesn't have official government status, but is a way of bringing together people particularly interested in the topic.
One of PACTS' main problems with the planned hire schemes is that members of the public will see them as an opportunity to start riding their own scooters as well, which would throw off the results of the trials.
The government's current proposals would limit rented e-scooters to a maximum speed of 12.5mph, a maximum weight of 35kg, and only two wheels, but many electric scooters currently on sale don't fit those limitations. The Xiaomi M365 (one of the world's most popular electric scooters) has a top speed of 15mph.
The final scheme may increase this limit to 15.5mph, but this would still be below the top speed of many commercially available scooters. For example, the Inokim Light 2 can reach 21mph.
The trials are also intended to limit the number of scooters in use within a particular area, which would be skewed by private ownership.
How active is 'active'?
PACTS' statement goes on to make the point that riding an electric scooter basically involves pushing off with one foot, then standing still and using a throttle to control speed, which is far less 'active' than walking, cycling, or using an electric bike (which under current laws must be pedal-assisted).
"In addition, e-scooters are a hazard for pedestrians," the group says. "E-scooters are often used on the footway (pavement) and in other pedestrian areas – legally in some countries, illegally in others. We see this already in the UK, despite their illegality here."
Full details of the government's framework for electric scooter trials are due to be announced at the end of this month, and it will be interesting to see whether these address any of PACTS' concerns. We'll keep you updated once we know more.
Amazon has knocked a huge £120.99 off the list price of the Garmin Forerunner 735XT for a limited time, bringing it down to just £179.
The Forerunner 735XT is an excellent multi-sport fitness tracker, which impressed our reviewer with its accurate GPS, long battery life, and a screen that's bright and legible even in direct sunlight.
This Garmin watch is designed to track a range of sports, with a particular focus on cycling and swimming, making it a great choice for triathletes. You can download training plans from the web, and the watch offers lap/pace and heart rate alerts to help you stay on target.
It also offers impressive smartwatch features, allowing you to receive texts and emails, as well as call and social media alerts without the need to take out your phone. You can install various apps through the Garmin Connect IQ Store to add even more features, and customize the watch face with your own photos.
This is one of the best deals in Amazon's Big Style Sale, which involves big savings on clothes, shoes, accessories and luggage. We've rarely seen it this cheap before, even on Amazon Prime Day, so move fast to grab one.
What will the fitness tracker of the future look like, and what new features will it offer when strapped around your wrist?
We've already seen some exciting new activity bands this year that hint at things to come. We've had the heavy-duty Polar Grit X and accessible Fitbit Charge 4, plus several new entries in the luxe Garmin MARQ range (including a watch with maps for 4,000 golf courses).
There are many more on the horizon too, including the Amaxfit X, with its strangely curved screen, and (hopefully) the Garmin Fenix 7. We wouldn't be at all surprised to see some new entries from the likes of Suunto as well.
But what about further in the future? Here are the features we'd most like to see hitting the mainstream over the next couple of years – and why we don't think they're a pipe dream.
5G
5G has the potential to revolutionize smartwatches and fitness trackers alike, taking the weight of computing off the device itself and shifting it to the cloud.
For example, it could make a dramatic improvement to voice controls. Previously, when we’ve used an Alexa-enabled smartwatch (like the Fitbit Versa 2) we’ve been disappointed by how long it takes to respond to queries as our questions are sent to our phone, then to Amazon’s servers, and all the way back again. It’s the last thing you want when you’re on the move. With 5G, responses would be almost instant, making voice controls far more practical and useful.
It would also make music streaming a breeze – no need to rely on your fitness tracker’s on-board storage, or simply use it as a remote to control the music app on your phone.
In fact, 5G connectivity could almost eliminate the need to download and install apps using your phone.
The Garmin Quatix 6X Solar can last almost a month between charges, but at an eye-watering price
Month-long battery life – or more
The newly launched Garmin Quatix 6X Solar is specially designed for life at sea, without ready access to an electrical outlet, and boasts remarkable battery life of up to 24 days. That’s achieved thanks to the watch’s photovoltaic face, which keeps it topped up when you’re off messing about in boats.
There’s only one drawback: the Quatic 6X solar costs $1,149.99 / £999.99 / AU$1,799. That’s not entirely due to the solar charging – this is a fitness tracker that can also control a yacht – but we’d love to see that kind of battery life in fitness trackers that don’t cost hundreds of dollars, letting us go weeks without a charge (which would be wireless, naturally).
A flexible display
We’ve seen foldable phones and rollable TVs, so a fitness tracker with a bendable display seems like a natural next step. The forthcoming Amazfit X will have a curved display to give you more space for notifications, but a truly flexible display would give you more still.
A wrap-around watch wouldn’t have to take the same snapping force of a snap-shut smartphone, which would hopefully make it more robust than devices like the Samsung Galaxy Fold, whose launch was marred by reports of broken screens. Such a smartwatch wouldn’t come cheap (the Galaxy Fold’s launch price was twice that of a typical flagship smartphone), but hopefully the price will drop as the technology matures.
The Amazfit X has a long, curved screen to display more data, but what if it was flexible too?
Improved incident detection
Fall detection is already making its way into higher-end fitness trackers, but we want to see it become mainstream. Not only that, we’d like to be able to trigger it manually by holding a single button. Episodes like a hypoglycemic attack or epileptic seizure are often preceded by a specific feeling, but if you’re confused and dizzy, you might not have the ability or presence of mind to remember a complicated series of taps and swipes.
Virtual group workouts
Through its running and cycling apps, Zwift lets you join a virtual run or ride on a treadmill or exercise bike – but what if you could do the same thing outdoors?
There’d be no need for a separate cadence sensor thanks to your watch’s GPS, which would help you keep pace with the pack remotely. With Bluetooth headphones connected to your tracker (forget the phone), you could chat with your friends in real time during a long run, or take part in a HIIT together with audio alerts. You could even get Peloton-style real-time coaching from a professional instructor anywhere in the world.
Tomorrow's fitness tracker could provide full, interactive support for a much wider variety of workouts
More activities
Most fitness trackers are mainly designed with cardio in mind – swimming, running, cycling and walking being the order of the day – why stop there?
If your new tracker came with a set of sensors similar to those used by Yoganotch, it could provide interactive classes for not just yoga, but activities like dance and pilates through your headphones, giving you instructions and correcting you if your posture is less than perfect. And what about getting live guidance when using your connected smart dumbbells?
An HD camera
The camera apps on smartwatches like the Apple Watch function as remote controls for your phone, and although some smartwatches with their own built-in cameras do exist, we've yet to see an activity band with a built-in snapper. It looks like that will soon change though, and Fitbit even seems to be preparing a kid's fitness tracker capable of making video calls, but why should they get all the fun?
A fitness tracker with a built-in HD camera (or even 4K if you want to dream big) would not only let you join Zoom chats from your wrist, it would also help show off your most picturesque runs and rides on Strava. Just hold up your hand and capture the scene in its fully glory, or stream live video to your platform of choice. That wrap-around screen mentioned earlier could double as a handy viewfinder so you aren’t shooting blind.
There would be no need to store the resulting snaps or footage locally – the data could be sent off to a cloud server instantly (or just cached temporarily if you’re out of 5G range) then deleted to conserve internal storage.
Google Docs, Slides and Sheets are finally getting their own dark mode, long after other key apps like Gmail, Chrome, and even the Google Play Store.
Writers at 9to5Google delved into the Android app's installation file (also known as its Android Package, or APK) last week and discovered assets for the dark theme, but now it seems like the design is nearly ready for launch, with new prompts that will be displayed to announce its arrival.
At the moment, when you open one of Google's office apps, you're presented with a bright white page and surrounding interface, regardless of whether you're using your phone's system-wide dark mode. That can be a bit hard on the eyes, particularly if you need to catch up on a little work at night.
Darker documents
With the new themes enabled, all of the apps' controls (including the recently opened document screen) will be changed to a dark gray color.
The backgrounds for Docs and Sheets will also change from white to black (with a convenient preview button that will let you see how they'll look in light mode), but it seems that blank presentation slides in Slides will remain white regardless of your settings.
As 9to5Google notes, that's probably because design is a much more important part of a slideshow, and you'll often want full control over how each slide looks. You wouldn't want to create a stylish presentation that looks completely different when you share it with a colleague/
The assets for the new theme are present in the latest Google Docs, Sheets and Slides APKs, but won't be available to try until Google activates them server-side. Judging by past experience, rollout is likely to take a few weeks to complete, but we'll let you know as soon as it begins so you can check it out for yourself.
Garmin has launched two new bike computers designed for both outdoor adventures (on brand-new routes or well-worn tracks) and indoor training sessions.
The Garmin Edge 130 Plus is an all-purpose bike computer with GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellite navigation to help you stay safely on course in places where an ordinary cycle computer might lose connectivity.
You can see routes preferred by other cyclists or plan your own ride, and the Edge 130 Plus can direct you safely back home once you're done exploring. Accident detection lets an emergency contact know if you've taken a fall, and tracking lets them monitor your location in real time.
You can also connect the computer to your phone and receive text messages on its 1.8-inch screen; no need to fumble for your phone in the middle of your daily commute or weekend joyride.
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus is made with mountain bikers firmly in mind. You can create new courses right on the device or see other riders' preferred routes, with turn-by-turn navigation to help you prepare for sharp bends, but if you choose to stray off the beaten track, you can pause the directions while you go exploring. No more annoying warnings that you're off course while you're trying to check out an interesting new trail. When you've finished exploring, the computer can redirect you safely back onto your original route.
Stay connected
Out for a group ride and starting to lag behind? The Edge 1030 Plus can warn your friends or clubmates that you're starting to get separated so you can pause for a cafe break, or split into two groups to keep going safely.
Once you're done, all of your ride data will be uploaded to your Garmin Connect account, plus Komoot and Strava (for those all-important club segment challenges).
Much like a dedicated fitness tracker, the computer can calculate recovery time, training load, training focus and estimated V02 max. You can choose to receive warnings when it's time to reach for your water bottle or an energy gel, too.
Both computers are available now. The Edge 130 Plus ranges in price from £169.99 (about $200 / AU$300) to £239.99 (about $300 / AU$450), while the Edge 1030 Plus ranges from £519.99 (about $650 / AU$950) to £599.99 (about $750 / AU$1,100).
If you've been thinking of investing in a fitness tracker to help you stay in shape over the summer months, this is the perfect time because Withings has slashed $60 off the whole WIthings Steel HR range.
Unusually for a fitness tracker, the Withings Steel HR has an analog face, paired with a discreet screen for your activity data and heart rate. This makes it much more suitable for everyday and office wear than a distinctive Fitbit activity band or chunky running watch.
Prices now start at just $119.95 for the regular, ranging up to $329.95 for the Sapphire Signature Steel HR.
When we reviewed the Withings Steel HR, we were impressed by its stylish design, with a single button disguised as a crown and a surprisingly slim design that fits neatly under a shirt cuff. The face is available in black or a more conventional white, and the case comes in a variety of finishes. Straps come in silicone (ideal for heavy workouts), leather or metal.
On the features front, the watch is designed with cardio in mind, tracking runs, walks and swims and presenting the resulting data in a nicely designed companion app. The device also records your step count heart rate throughout the day, and sleep tracking helps you see how well you're resting at night.
We've seen the price of the Steel HR drop a little lower over Black Friday, but there's no guarantee that it'll dip so low again this year and if you've been looking for a hybrid fitness tracker that's smart enough for a professional setting, this could be the perfect time to snap one up. The deal ends June 26.
Not in the US? Here are the best Withings Steel HR deals where you are:
We're expecting some great deals on fitness trackers on Amazon Prime Day
Garmin has announced a new edition to its MARQ like of premium sports-specific smartwatches. The Garmin MARQ Golf is specifically designed for the green, serving as a virtual caddie on your wrist.
The MARQ Golf offers all the usual features you'd expect from a top-end Garmin smartwatch, including heart rate monitoring, GPS/GLONASS/Galileo navigation, smart notifications, storage for up to 2,000 songs, Garmin Pay and activity tracking, but there's also a whole lot more for the truly dedicated golfer.
The watch comes preloaded with maps of 41,000 golf courses, with color maps, plus hazard detection to help you avoid sand traps, bunkers and lakes during play. Its Virtual Caddie function can analyze wind speed and course layout, plus your speed and club performance to help you pick the best club for the shot.
The watch's bright display is designed to be clearly legible even in bright sunlight, and its design includes a tough titanium case, jacquard weave strap (which is easily replaced if you need something more formal for the office), and a ceramic bezel that can be custom-engraved with 1-18 golf hole markings.
The price of success
It's no surprise that the MARQ Golf commands a premium suggested retail price, though it's perhaps not quite as high as you might expect at £1,699.99 (about $2,150, AU$3,110). That's around three times the price of the most affordable Garmin Fenix 6 premium running watch, or twice the UK's average annual golf club membership fee.
The launch comes hot on the heels of the MARQ Captain: American Magic Edition – a premium sports watch built for the open ocean, which allows owners to control their boat's autopilot from their wrist.
Chrome dark mode is a welcome change from Google's traditional bright, white interface, but it doesn't change the color of every single part of the browser. Thankfully though, that's starting to change, and an update coming soon will give one of the browser's most important features a new, darker look: the scrollbar.
As Techdows reports, a new flag (a switch that allows you to try experimental features before they're ready for release) has appeared in Chrome Canary that will render scrollbars in a darker shade.
This will only happen on websites that support dark mode, and will give the browser a more uniform look. The update will apply to Chrome for Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Linux.
Turn down the lights
In our tests, although present, the flag didn't seem to be operational yet, but some users have reported it working as described.
To give it a try, first make sure dark mode is enabled for your device, then download and install the latest version of Chrome Canary and enter chrome://flags in the address bar. Search for 'Web platform controls dark mode' and select 'Enabled' from the drop-down menu. Re-launch the browser when prompted.
Now visit a site that supports dark mode (such as Twitter) and the browser's scrollbars should change color to match. If not, like us, you may need to wait a little longer.
The presence of a flag doesn't mean a feature is guaranteed to be rolled out to the release version of Chrome, but it's generally a good indicator. We'll keep you updated if and when it's launched fully.
We've rounded up the best browsers you can download today
Google is planning a major redesign for one of Google Chrome's most important features on Android: autofill.
If you've ever shopped online using Chrome, you'll be familiar with the tool that automatically completes forms for you, allowing you to enter your name, address, phone number and other details with a single tap rather than typing them out in full. It can be a real time-saver (particularly at the moment, when so many stores are closed and even more of our regular shopping is happening on our phones).
We've rounded up the best browsers you can download today
However, the way Autofill looks at the moment isn't perfect. Currently, when you tap a field in a form, Chrome will present a list of suggestions in floating menu that obscures part of the webpage. It's usable, but not ideal – for now.
Filling the blanks
Following the update, Autofill suggestions will instead appear just above the keyboard in your browser, allowing you to scroll through them and select the correct one without blocking your view of the form itself.
The new design will also provide three icons, which you can tap to manage passwords, payment methods and addresses respectively. Currently, these options are only accessible if you open the browser's settings menu and scroll down to 'Basics'.
As XDA Developers notes, the new design has been accessible in Chrome Canary and Dev builds for some time now, but only if you enabled certain flags (switches that allow users to toggle experimental features that aren't yet ready for release). Now it's available in those pre-release versions of Chrome without being activated manually, suggesting it will arrive for all users of the browser very soon.
Any change that improves accessibility is a welcome one, and we'll keep you updated if and when it's rolled out fully.
Many cyclists have turned to Strava to keep motivated during the coronavirus pandemic, and to keep in touch with their regular cycling clubs until social distancing restrictions are lifted. However, according to British Cycling, it's not always as straightforward as clipping in and heading out; some virtual club challenges are classified as 'races' and could invalidate your regular insurance.
As BikeRadar reports, Strava segment challenges (which involve competing to achieve the best time over specific portions of road) can be classed as races if they include either a prize or leaderboard.
Taking part in such a challenge could invalidate any individual, club or event insurance you've already taken out.
Play it safe
According to British Cycling, that's because such ad-hoc races aren't registered as official events, and haven't undergone the course inspections and risk assessment that would be necessary for them to be covered.
Your regular insurance is unlikely to help, either; many cycling insurance policies don't cover races of any kind, which would mean you'd be unable to claim if you had an accident taking part in a segment challenge.
If you're not sure whether you'd be covered, it's best to contact your insurance provider to find out their official stance. If not, you might be best sitting such challenges out, frustrating as that may be.
Are electric scooters legal in the UK? The short answer is no – for now. Although you can legally sell, buy and own e-scooters, it's currently against the law to ride them on public roads or footpaths. You could ride one on private land with the landowner's permission, or in an area conducting a trial (more on that later), but the law is otherwise quite clear: no e-scooting allowed.
If you're stopped by police, you could receive a £300 fixed penalty notice, plus six points on your driving license – and although it might seem surprising considering how many e-scooters you see in a typical city, that does happen. Last summer, police in London stopped over 100 e-scooter riders over a single weekend.
At the moment, electric scooters are classed as personal light electric vehicles (PLEVs) – a category that also includes cars and motorbikes, and requires licensing, tax, MOT, signalling ability, number plates and visible rear red lights. PLEVs must also meet minimum construction requirements to be considered road legal.
By contrast, pedal-assisted electric bikes are treated the same as ordinary bicycles, and don’t have to be registered, taxed or insured. You have to be at least 14 years old to ride one though, and the motor must have a maximum power output of 250 watts. The motor shouldn’t be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling at more than 15.5mph. Any e-bike that doesn’t fall into those rules is treated as an electric motorbike or moped.
Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are divided into two types: class two, which cannot be used on the road and have a maximum speed of 4mph, and class three, which can be used on the road and have a top speed of 8mph. Class three vehicles have to be registered, and can only be driven by someone 14 or older.
Electric bikes are treated much the same as push-bikes provided they meet certain criteria and are pedal-assisted
Electric scooter hire schemes
There have already been some small electric scooter trials in the UK, including a long-running scheme operating in London’s Olympic Park, but now the government is planning to extend trials to any town or city that’s interested.
These trials were initially due to begin in 2021, but have been shifted forward in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic to take the weight off public transport, and encourage people to get around in a way that’s more environmentally friendly than driving.
Several electric scooter companies have confirmed that they’re talking to local authorities in the UK about starting pilot schemes. US-based Bird and Lime are making their case, according to CNBC, as well as European startups Tier and Voi.
Although it’s yet to pick a provider, Milton Keynes is one of the first towns to confirm its participation in an electric scooter trial. The Buckinghamshire new town (which has also carried out extensive trials with autonomous ‘pods’ for short journeys) is particularly well suited to the project thanks to its system of redways – a network of wide dual-purpose footpaths and cycleways that provide ample room and a smooth surface for riding.
It remains to be seen how older cities, with narrow or cobbled streets, would fare, but hopefully planned improvements to cycling infrastructure will also mean more scootable routes.
Bird and Lime are among the e-scooter hire companies in talks with UK local authorities
Privately owned scooters
There’s no word yet on whether trials will be limited to rental scooters (so that local authorities know the speed and type of vehicles on their streets), or will also allow people to ride privately owned scooters as well.
There are certainly advantages to having your own scooter. Not only will it work out cheaper in the long term with regular use, it also means you won’t have to worry about sanitising the handlebars before setting off – something that would be tricky to manage with rented vehicles. Bird and Lime have suspended dozens of hire schemes around the world for exactly that reason (though interestingly, Spin says it’s been asked to ‘step up’ its hire services to fill the gap left by missing public transport).
What's next?
It seems it will only be a matter of time before electric scooters are legalised in the UK, but there will doubtless be rules on not only when and where you can ride, but also helmets, engine size, and maximum speed. While most electric scooters max out at 15mph, some can hit up to 29mph.
When e-scooters do receive the green light, it’ll almost certainly be wisest to source yours from a UK retailer (many of which already exist) so you can be certain it’ll comply with the relevant laws and you don’t accidentally end up with something that’s classed as a moped, and you’ll be covered by an appropriate warranty in case anything goes wrong.
We’ll keep you updated when new trials are announced and more information is provided, so stay tuned.
As the world starts to make tentative steps towards leaving lockdown, and starts to establish a ‘new normal’, it’s a great time to reconsider your everyday travel needs – and an electric bike could be exactly what you need.
Electric bikes have come a very long way in recent years, and are no longer defined by clunky looks, noisy motors, or limited range. Modern e-bikes look almost identical to standard push-bikes, with only a slender battery pack marking the difference, and can help you keep moving for over 100 miles, depending on their capacity.
Curious? Here are the other reasons why now is the perfect time to consider making the switch to an electric bike
It’ll transform your commute
Working from home is great, but it’s not always possible (or desirable). For many people, public transport is the most practical way to get to work, but maintaining a distance of two meters between passengers means the capacity of buses and trains is vastly reduced. That means longer journey times, longer waits, and a great deal of frustration.
A conventional bike can be a great alternative for commutes that are too long to walk, but they have some distinct drawbacks – not least of which is working up a sweat. Having an electric motor take some of the strain means you’re less likely to arrive at work needing to change your shirt.
Some electric bikes, like the newly launched Cowboy 3, also eliminate the risk of oil smears on your pants by replacing the usual chain transmission with a belt (which is also much less likely to cause mechanical problems during your journey).
It's more hygienic
Electric bike hire schemes have sprung up in cities worldwide, but many have put their services on hold during the pandemic due to the difficulty of properly sanitizing handlebars between riders. Having an electric bike of your own eliminates that problem.
It also means no more touching buttons, ticket machines, door handles, parking meters, or anything else you’d usually need to tap and poke on a typical journey by car, bus or train.
It's great exercise
An electric bike is also a great way to enjoy some gentle cardio – particularly if you’ve not been particularly active during the pandemic. Cruising on an e-bike is much less effort than doing all the word yourself, but can still get your heart pumping.
You can choose to push yourself harder, too. Most electric bikes will only boost your speed to around 15mph, which is a reasonable pace, but definitely won’t make you the speediest cyclist on the road. If you want to go faster, that’s fine – but you’ll need to do all the work yourself.
You can even switch off the electric motor entirely whenever you like, only using it when you’re tired, or need an extra boost to get up a particularly steep hill.
It makes cycling accessible
If you’re a little older, have a condition that makes you tire easily, or have an injury, an electric bike can make cycling enjoyable again – even if you haven’t stepped on a pedal in years.
An e-bike is also an excellent way to get out and enjoy the countryside if you’re lucky enough to live within pedalling distance of some green space, which can be a great way to relieve stress and improve overall wellbeing. With less energy spent pedalling, you can go further, faster, and enjoy your surroundings more
It's greener
Yes, the power to charge your bike’s battery could have been generated by a fossil fuel power station, but it’ll still have a far smaller carbon footprint than any kind of car – even an electric one – due to their lower power requirements, smaller size and lighter construction. As the energy mix moves more towards renewables, that situation will only improve.
An electric bike also has a smaller amount of ‘embodied energy’ (the amount of energy needed to manufacture it) than a car.
It's just fun
If you’ve never tried an electric bike before, the initial burst of speed as the motor engages might take you by surprise – but it’s exhilarating. You might have a regular bike gathering dust in a garage or shed, but we’d be surprised if you can resist that power-assisted rush for long.
