More boroughs join London’s rental e-scooter trial

Less than a month after its launch, London’s trial of rental e-scooters has been expanded to include three new locations and approximately 600 new vehicles.

The 12-month trial is designed to help to shape future policy on e-scooters, including whether they could form part of London’s sustainable recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is being managed by TfL and London Councils – and operated by Dott, Lime and TIER.

The trial got underway on 7 June, with four boroughs (Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and Richmond upon Thames) and Canary Wharf participating fully.

In addition, Tower Hamlets has been acting as a ‘ride-through’ area, which users may travel through but not start or end e-scooter rides.

As of 5 July, the City of London and northern parts of Lambeth have joined the scheme fully – while Southwark has become the second ride-through location.

TfL says the expansion will mean that the number of vehicles will increase from around 600 to 1,200 across London and will now be available at even more inner and central London destinations.

It adds that discussions are continuing with boroughs about further expansions over the coming months.

Helen Sharp, TfL’s e-scooter trial lead, said: “We’ve worked closely with the City of London, Lambeth and Southwark to ensure this expansion of the trial works for everybody in the area. 

“London’s safety-first trial of e-scooters is already providing vital data about the long-term role they could play in a greener and healthier future for the capital and this expansion will further help to shape UK and London policy in the area. 

“Safety remains our top priority and we will continue to closely monitor e-scooters in the new and existing trial areas, making improvements wherever identified.”

‘Safety continues to be the top priority’
The safety standards required as part of London’s scheme continue to ‘go further than those set out at a national level’, by requiring:

• A lower maximum speed of 12.5mph
• Lights at the front and the rear of the vehicles that are always on throughout any rental
• Audible warning systems that can be used without adjusting the rider’s grip of the handlebar

The operators must also have other safety mechanisms in place, including ‘first ride policies’ where riders will need to take an e-learning safety course before they hire for the first time.

Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “I’m pleased that London’s rental e-scooter trial is expanding to cover the City of London, and parts of Lambeth and Southwark. 

“Extending the footprint of the trial to more areas will enable us to get a better understanding of the role e-scooters can play in switching car journeys to greener and more sustainable alternatives. 

“Safety continues to be at the heart of our trial, with London’s more stringent safety standards also in place in the new large area.”

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