Transport for London (TfL) and London councils are planning to extend current trials of e-scooters, as a response to changes in Department for Transport (DfT) guidance.
Micromobility operators, namely Dott, Lime and Tier, will have their contracts extended on a temporary basis to help transport authorities learn more about the vehicles and their role in the city’s transport offering, TfL has said.
As well as data collection, the trial will also offer opportunities for testing new technology, including audible alerts to improve pedestrian safety.
The extended deadline for DfT’s national pilots is the 31 May 2024.
Helen Sharp, lead on the e-scooter trials for TfL, said: “E-scooters could play an important role in ensuring a green and sustainable future for London, which is why we’re really pleased to be able to extend the e-scooter trial.
“We’re working closely with London Councils on our plans for the next phase of the trial, which will help us build on its successes so far.
“We hope Londoners can continue to benefit from the trial and we will continue to use its data to learn more about the role e-scooters could play in helping people move around London sustainably.”
The extension of the trial will also involved what TfL has described as a competitive procurement process for operators. The transport body said this will involve candidates being chosen based on how well they meet safety regulations and high operating standards.
