E-scooter trials fast-tracked across UK

Active Travel

The Government is to permit trials of rental E-scooters from next month across the UK. The DfT said this would “help encourage more people off public transport and onto greener alternatives” during the Covid-19 restrictions. 

The trials were originally due to take place next year in the Government’s four Future Transport Zones: the West Midlands, the West of England Combined Authority area; Derby and Nottingham; and the Solent Transport area (Southampton/Portsmouth/Isle of Wight). 

But the DfT will now allow anywhere in the UK to host trials, starting next month. Trials will “allow Government to assess the benefits of e-scooters as well as their impact on public space”. 

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “This trial will help bring more flexibility, choice, and greener travel solutions for the region, at a time when we are facing a climate emergency and urging people to leave the car at home. 

“We will also use the trial to look at the current transport challenges the coronavirus pandemic has presented us with and explore how e-scooters could be used to help tackle them. 

The Government must amend secondary legislation to allow  trials to begin.

Transport Scotland welcomed the UK Government’s decision. “As the popularity and prevalence of e-scooters and other forms of micro-mobility increases globally, we are keen to understand trends across a range of issues, including the safety of both the user of the scooter and other road users,” said a spokesman.