Transport for London (TfL) and London Councils have launched a competition to select up to three operators for a twelve-month trial of rental e-scooters.
TfL, London Councils and London's boroughs are working together on plans for a trial of rental e-scooters in the capital. This trial aims to promote safety standards and develop a better understanding of the impact of this emerging mode of transport on London's roads. A competition has been launched today, which is open to all e-scooter operators. Up to three will be selected to take part in the 12-month trial, which is due to start in spring 2021.
Guidance issued by the Department for Transport (DfT) in summer 2020 now allows local authorities in the UK to trial e-scooters as part of a rental scheme. The use of privately owned e-scooters on public roads is not covered by these changes and remains illegal in the UK. The Metropolitan Police will continue their work engaging with e-scooter riders, and where necessary, will enforce the legislation regarding the use of privately owned e-scooters.
The trials are part of a wider approach across TfL, London boroughs and national government to enable people to use greener forms of transport and help avoid a damaging, car-led recovery from coronavirus, which would make air quality worse and increase congestion.
