The UK government has extended trials of public e-scooter rental schemes until May 2028, leaving operators and users in a state of uncertainty that has now lasted eight years. The trials, originally launched in August 2020 for 15 months, were due to end in May 2025 but have been prolonged to gather more data on safety and integration with transport systems.
Rental firms Voi and Lime welcomed the extension but called for permanent legislation. Voi, which has invested around £100 million in UK schemes, stated that this 'had to be the last trial' and that uncertainty hampers further investment. Lime echoed the need for long-term rules to secure business certainty and future investment.
Since the trials began, several operations have folded, including the London scheme of the merged Tier and Dott. Meanwhile, an estimated 1 million illegal e-scooters are on UK streets, often modified to exceed the 15mph limit and posing greater dangers. Data on e-scooter accidents is widely underreported, according to the parliamentary safety body PACTS.
The Department for Transport said the extension aims to fill evidence gaps on safety, local area characteristics, and how e-scooters contribute to government missions. New cities and regions can apply to join the trials. However, critics note that Paris has banned e-scooters and Italy imposed strict controls.
Harry Foskin of Voi urged the government to clarify laws on private e-scooters to create a level playing field on standards. Hal Stevenson of Lime said the extension protects jobs but stressed the need for legislation. Former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh had promised action, stating it was 'not good enough' to leave the situation unresolved.
