Amendments to e-scooter laws presented by Partit Demokratiky and backed by the PN were rejected by government MPs on Wednesday evening.

The amendments were put forward by PD MPs Godfrey Farrugia and Marlene Farrugia, who said the laws regulating the use of e-scooters discouraged the use if this alternative means of transport.

The restrictions that were pointed out include the need for a licence plate, the price of contraventions, which are similar to those faced by motorists, and speed limits.

The MPs explained that the current regulations are extreme and are discouraging people from using e-scooters and the regulations nee to be amended in a way that attracts people to use them so that there is a reduction in congestion and pollution.

The PN's Spokesperson for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, Toni Bezzina, said that "this legal notice killed the use of scooter before it was even given a chance."

He explained that the regulations should be adjusted in a way that attracts younger people to make use  of alternative transport rather than cars, which will in turn reduce congestion and environmental impact.

PN Spokesperson for the Environment and Climate Emergency David Thake shared this sentiment, saying that these regulations are counterproductive as most of the people who use these scooters are millennials, and the more regulations there are, the less inclined they will be to use them.

Bezzina explained that one way of challenging this problem is by putting more emphasis on bicycle lanes in road designs rather than on accommodating cars which will further encourage the use of alternative transport. He also suggested that anyone above the age of 16 should be eligible to use them without a license.

Marlene Farrugia said the government has the ability to give direction to change people's lives for the better. She explained that a reduction in emissions will not only reduce pollution but also reduce the amount of respiratory problems.

Transport Minister Ian Borg replied to this criticism by saying that there are legal notices in the works which Members of Parliament might be unaware of. He said that he agrees with the idea of 16-year-olds being able to make use of this means of transport and there is a legal notice being drafted wherein they can use e-scooters after just passing a theory exam.

"This is important so that they know the meaning of road signs and driving etiquette," he said.

Borg said he disagreed with the notion that the contraventions for e-scooter users are exaggerated when compared to cars and added that he believes that the fines for contraventions by car users should be increased.

The amendments were put to a vote during the parliamentary session but were defeated, with government MPs voting against.