London E-scooter Setback

London's 12-month electric scooter trial to be pushed back after one of the capital's local authorities delayed its involvement.

20:29 08 June 2021

London's e-scooter trial has suffered a setback after the City of London Corporation decided to push back its participation until July 5. The organisation, which is the governing body of the Square Miles, did not disclose the reason for its decision but sources say it was "apparently due to a delay in resolving administrative rather than safety concerns." 

 

The 12-month trial is part of a scheme that aims to explore how e-scooters can be used as an alternative to travel by car for short journeys. Due to the delay, rental e-scooters would only be available in Ealing, Canary Wharf, Hammersmith and Fulham, Richmond and Kensington and Chelsea. 

 

London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman said: “E-scooters have been on our streets for some time now but with very little regulation.

 

“This trial will have safety at its heart, bringing in rigorous precautions and parking measures while taking the needs of all road users into account and seeing what role e-scooters can play in London’s future.”

 

Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens of the Metropolitan Police said the force is “pleased to support this trial”, but added: “We’d like to remind everybody that private e-scooters used outside this trial remain illegal and will be dealt with by way of seizure.”