Just 12 of the 41 towns and cities where ‘shared’ moped schemes currently operate have rules in place for dealing with them, according to research by current affairs show Pointer.

As a result, the number of rental electric mopeds is growing, as is the nuisance for other road and pavement users, especially the disabled, Pointer said.

In 29 local authority areas, the operators are unlicenced and all they are required to do is follow the rules for regular moped users. But parking is a particular problem and the vehicles are often put on the pavement, making it difficult for people to pass by.

Shared mopeds are seen by local authorities as a key part of efforts to get people out of their cars, but research suggests up to 80% pick up a moped rather than walk or take a bike, Pointer said.

There is nothing shared, or green, about electric mopeds