Southampton E-Scooter Trial Scheme

E-scooters will be available for hire in Southampton from 18 March.

12:41 04 March 2021

Southampton City Council has partnered with Solent Transport and Swedish company Voi Technology Ltd. to launch a trial that will make e-scooters available for hire in Southampton. From 18 March, riders can rent the electric-powered scooters via an app and use them within a zone in the city centre.

The trial supports the council’s plans to tackle climate change and provide commuters sustainable mobility solutions while reducing traffic and congestion. Riders must be at least 18 years old and hold a full or provisional driving license. The scooters can be used on the same road spaces as bikes including cycle lanes.

The trial, which is expected to run until November, will also see the installation of parking and docking stations in the city centre.

Similar trials have already begun in other areas including Oxford, Bournemouth and Poole, Slough and on the Isle of Wight. Meanwhile, Portsmouth City Council is set to start its own 12-month e-scooter trial later this month.