Manchester is exploring plans to launch an e-scooter trial that could begin in summer 2027, following the success of the Lime scooter scheme in neighbouring Salford. The city council is putting together proposals for the scheme, though a decision on whether to proceed has not yet been made.
Proposal Details and Timeline
A Manchester council spokesperson said a provisional approval has been received from the Department for Transport (DfT) for the council to develop a proposal. Officers are currently assessing the potential benefits, risks and how an e-scooter scheme could work in practice in Manchester. The spokesperson added that summer 2027 is the latest a trial could start, in line with DfT requirements for new trials.
The council's report on e-scooters said they could offer Manchester residents and visitors a 'popular zero-emission transport mode' to get around the city. The scheme would be run on a commercial basis, with no cost to the council.
Salford's Lime Scheme Success
An e-scooter trial was launched in Salford in 2020 and has been renewed every two years since then. The scheme is operated by Lime, and anyone over 18 with a provisional driving licence can hire one through an app. Lime scooters are in use around Salford city centre and extend to some of the borough's suburbs.
Salford deputy mayor Mike McCusker said the scooters have been an 'overwhelming success' in the city. He said more than 2.5 million journeys have been made, covering over four million kilometres and replacing an estimated 600,000 car journeys. He added that this demonstrates the important role e-scooters can play in reducing car dependency and giving people more choice in how they travel.
Issues and Concerns
Lime scooters have caused some issues in Salford. Salford Quays Councillor Jonathan Moore said in 2024 that they were being used by children to race down car parks, causing noise disturbance to local residents. Lime introduced stricter verification checks in response, but Moore said there are still some ongoing problems, with children and teenagers below the legal age getting access to the scooters and using them for anti-social behaviour.
Moore told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Overall it works okay and it's probably the right thing to do to extend it further and do the trial in Manchester as well. The main issue we have is that there are still kids and teenagers who are getting their hands on them when they are below the age that they should be able to get their hands on them, and using them for anti-social behaviour. Going up and down residential streets in groups, making lots of noise, screaming and carrying on. It's not a massive issue, but it's annoying to those residents when it happens. But overall, it's a good thing, it takes traffic off the road, takes people off the trams and buses, and ultimately that's a good thing."
McCusker also said there have been problems with pavement riding and inconsiderate parking, but explained that Salford council is working with Lime over the issues.
Next Steps for Manchester
Manchester council said eventual deployment would be conditional on successful engagement with GMP, representative disability groups, elected members and other key stakeholders, and procurement of an operator. The move would be further scrutinised by officials before a decision is made on whether to move ahead.
Lime's regional government relations lead Ed Ingram said: "Manchester City Council's plans are great news, and Salford shows why. Since our scheme launched there in 2021, e-scooters have proven themselves to be a safe, affordable and important part of active travel in the city. We would love to bring our service to the rest of Manchester." Lime confirmed riders must be aged 18 or over and have to complete an ID scan to confirm their age. The firm said suspected underage riding should be reported with the time and location to its help centre so it can take action. The Department for Transport was approached for comment.
