Transport for London have announce that they will start the UK’s largest e-scooter trial next year.
TfL are currently looking for 3 e-scooter partners that can help them to realise the scheme properly when the year-long trial begins in Spring 2021.
Guidance issued by Department for Transport allows local authorities to trial e-scooter schemes in specific areas, although the riding of privately owned e-scooters is still prohibited by law.
The Government as well as local authorities up and down the country are trying to push e-scooters as a greener alternative to cars, with a fear that the recovery from Covid could be a car-led one.
Michael Hurwitz, TfL's Director of Transport Innovation, said:
"We're determined to make sure that London recovers from coronavirus as safely and sustainably as possible and are supportive of innovative solutions that could help.
"Safety will be our number one priority during this e-scooter rental trial, which will be critical to providing us the data and insights we need to determine whether e-scooters are a viable part of a greener and healthier future for London.
“We'll continue to take the interests of all Londoners into account as we work towards starting the trial next year."
Boroughs will be able to determine parking locations of the scooters, with automatic go-slow areas limiting the speed to 8MPH, as well as complete no-go areas.
