London extends trial to encourage e-scooters over cars

A trial rental scheme for e-scooters in London, to help people get about without taking a car, has been extended.

The trial, which was launched in June last year, with ten boroughs participating, now has 4,425 e-scooter vehicles available for hire plus more than 500 designated parking locations in the capital city.

Almost two million journeys have been made already.

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 current trial contracts operated by Dott, Lime and Tier, which expire this year, will be extended temporarily.

It comes after recently updated Department for Transport (DfT) guidance that allows local authority trials to continue until May 31, 2024, while the Government will create a new vehicle category in legislation, in which e-scooters would be included.