London’s trial of rental e-scooters extended

Transport for London (TfL) and London councils are extending the capital’s trial of rental e-scooters.

It comes after recently updated Department for Transport (DfT) guidance that allows local authority trials to continue until May 31, 2024.   

It also follows plans to create a new vehicle category in legislation, in which e-scooters would be included.

Helen Sharp, TfL's e-scooter trial lead, said: “E-scooters could play an important role in ensuring a green and sustainable future for London, which is why we're really pleased to be able to extend the e-scooter trial.

“We're working closely with London councils on our plans for the next phase of the trial, which will help us build on its successes so far. 

“We hope Londoners can continue to benefit from the trial and we will continue to use its data to learn more about the role e-scooters could play in helping people move around London sustainably."            

The trial, which was launched in June last year, with ten boroughs participating, now has more than 500 designated parking locations available, almost two million journeys made and 4,425 e-scooter vehicles available for hire.    

A competitive procurement for operators to run the next phase of London’s rental e-scooter trial has launched today and operators will be chosen on their ability to meet strict safety requirements and high operating standards, said TfL.

The high safety requirements and high operating standards seen in the current trial will be further enhanced for the next phase, accounting for what has been learnt from the trial to date, feedback from customers and stakeholders, improvements in technology and what has been learnt from other cities and countries, it added. 

To ensure there is a continuation of service in London, the current trial contracts operated by Dott, Lime and Tier, which expire this year, will be extended temporarily until the procurement is complete.    

Throughout the continuing trial, operators will continue to be required to provide data for TfL and the participating boroughs to understand the impact of e-scooters on London's transport goals, including the Vision Zero aim to eliminate death and serious injuries from London’s roads.   

TfL insisted that safety remains at the core of the trial and data shared by the operators will play a vital role in helping to shape London and the UK's future policy on e-scooters. 

Will Norman, London's walking and cycling commissioner, said: “I’m pleased that TfL and London Councils have been able to extend the country’s largest rental e-scooter trial.

“The Mayor and I are determined to continue building a cleaner, greener and more prosperous London for everyone, and e-scooters can play a useful role in our city’s transport network by offering alternatives to car use.

“Through the trial, we are also helping to inform future Government legislation on these vehicles to ensure they are safe for all riders and other road users.”  

Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal for use on public land, including public roads.