Rental e-scooter trials extended to 2024
The Government has announced that trials of rental e-scooter schemes can continue until May 2024, a move which has sparked outrage among a charity which represents blind and visually impaired people.
The trials, which began in July 2020, were due to end this November. However, responding to a parliamentary question, transport minister Trudy Harrison confirmed they can now run until May 2024, should local authorities wish to extend them. The move only applies to existing trials.
Trudy Harrison said: “The Government has decided to allow current e-scooter trials, which are live in 30 areas across England, to be extended. The existing trials will continue to run until 30 November and participating local authorities will then have the option to end their local trial or extend it to 31 May 2024.
“Extensions will be restricted to existing trial areas only and will allow us to gather further evidence where gaps are identified, building on the findings of the current evaluation. We hope that all areas will want to continue, but there is no compulsion.”
