E-scooter trial in Scottish cities could begin 'within next nine months'

A trial of rental e-scooters in cities across Scotland could begin within the next nine months, according to England’s biggest operator.

Currently 22 e-scooter trials are under way south of the border after plans were launched four years ago.

The Scottish Government is in discussion with the UK Government Department for Transport about taking part in a widened scheme.

Midlothian Council has already expressed their interest in taking part in the trial, however, they are waiting for the legislation to be put in place and for funding to be made available.

Glasgow City Council believe e-scooters can play a part in a “sustainable transport system for the city.” In October 2020, the local authority agreed to the trial, but are awaiting legislative clearance from Transport Scotland.

Voi, the largest operator of e-scooters in England, believes Scotland is ready to take part in a trial of the green transport method.

UK general manager, James Bolton, said: “We’re really keen to start working with Scottish cities to introduce some of the benefits we have already seen over the last four years in England. Speaking to the cities, we know there is a clear appetite for e-scooter trials north of the border.

“Scotland has not been able to take part because it didn’t put its hand up right at the beginning. We’re hopeful that in the next nine months, we could see the first [trial hire scheme] e-scooters on the streets of Scotland.

“The ability to grow e-scooter usage to replace more car trips is hugely beneficial. In relation to Transport Scotland’s goals of reducing car kilometres travelled by 20% [by 2030], we can point at the modal shift data we see across our cities.

“Some of the concerns are around safety, which I completely understand with a new mode of transport. But over the last four years, the rates of serious accidents have fallen by over 70% and are on par with those for the electric bikes we also operate.

“Scooters are no more dangerous than bikes.”

Transport Scotland they are still considering whether they’d take part in a widened trial.

A spokesperson said: “We are in discussion with the UK Government Department for Transport regarding e-scooter trials and will consider whether or not to participate. Legislation would need to be put in place to enable interested local authorities in Scotland to take part in the next round of trials.”

Both Midlothian and Glasgow local authorities have confirmed they are still interested in the trial if legislation is approved.

A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: “The possible use of e-scooters in Glasgow is included in Glasgow’s Transport Strategy as e-scooters can play a role in a sustainable transport system for the city.

“A trial of e-scooters was agreed by the council in October 2020, subject to legislative clearance from Transport Scotland, which has still to be agreed.

“Any trial of e-scooters in Glasgow would be closely monitored with a focus on pedestrian safety.”

A Midlothian Council spokesman added: “We would be interested in trial where legislation and funding allow.”

Edinburgh City Council state they are interested to find out more about the trial if legislation is put in place.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “The Department for Transport are in early discussion with Transport Scotland to explore the possibility of opening e-scooter trials in Scotland, recognising that should Scottish Ministers wish to do so they would need to pass legislation to enable this. If the decision is made to take part in the trials, and it is practical to do so, local authorities in Scotland would be informed directly.

“Without Scottish legislation and guidance it would be challenging for Edinburgh to progress or develop a trial, but we are interested to understand more about how trials are being implemented elsewhere.”