Richmond upon Thames is to be part of a London-wide trial of a shared e-scooter scheme, which aims to test the viability and safety of scooters as a long-term solution to the serious air quality and congestion issues we have across the capital.

The trial, led by Transport for London and London Councils, would be the only legal way of riding e-scooters in public places in London; the use of private e-scooters on public footways and highways remains illegal.

The trial will enable a better understanding of whether and how e-scooters can safely become part of London’s wider transport network. All users will need to at least have a provisional driving licence and offences can be treated the same as motoring offences.

The Council will work with TfL to agree areas of the borough that the e-scooters may be used in, including areas that require lower speed limits than the maximum 15.5mph the e-scooters are limited to. Geofence technology will be used to ensure that the e-scooters automatically respect these limits. 

The Council will closely monitor the effects of the trial and has the right to alter or withdraw from the trial at any time. 

To address concerns about the e-scooters cluttering public footways, the Council will be identifying specific spaces to accommodate them.

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, said:

“Long after the Covid health crisis is behind us, we will still have to grapple with Climate Change and the challenge of pollution in our Capital. For the sake of our health and the climate, we cannot afford to sleepwalk into a car-led recovery. 

“That is why this Council is supporting trials of less polluting modes of transport such as e-scooters and e-bikes. Providing options like e-scooters & e-bikes is a positive way to encourage people to seek alternatives to the car.

“We know that some residents will have concerns about safety and the way these vehicles are used. I can reassure them that we will be vigilant throughout this e-scooter trial and we’re committed to taking action if any issues arise.

“Introducing new technology to our streets is rarely easy, but it is crucially important. Richmond residents will be amongst the vanguard of those testing and assessing these vehicles. On behalf of the Council, I’d like to express my gratitude for residents’ co-operation during this exciting trial.”

The trial, led by Transport for London and London Councils, would be the only legal way of riding e-scooters in public places in London. The use of private e-scooters on public footways and highways remains illegal.

The will enable a better understanding of whether and how e-scooters can safely become part of London’s wider transport network. All users will have to at least have an official provisional driving licence and offences can be treated the same as motoring offences.

Our Council will work with TfL to agree areas of the borough that the e-scooters may be used in, including areas that require lower speed limits than the maximum 15.5mph the e-scooters are limited to. Operators will use geofence technology to ensure that the e-scooters automatically respect these limits. 

The Council will closely monitor the effects of the trial and has the right to alter or withdraw from the trial at any time. 

To address concerns about the e-scooters cluttering public footways, the Council will be identifying specific spaces to accommodate them.

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, said:

“Long after the Covid health crisis is behind us, we will still have to grapple with Climate Change and the challenge of pollution in our Capital. For the sake of our health and the climate, we cannot afford to sleepwalk into a car-led recovery. 

“That is why this Council is supporting trials of less polluting modes of transport such as e-scooters and e-bikes. Providing options like e-scooters & e-bikes is a positive way to encourage people to seek alternatives to the car.

“We know that some residents will have concerns about safety and the way these vehicles are used. I can reassure them that we will be vigilant throughout this e-scooter trial and we’re committed to taking action if any issues arise.

“Introducing new technology to our streets is rarely easy, but it is crucially important. Richmond residents will be amongst the vanguard of those testing and assessing these vehicles. On behalf of the Council, I’d like to express my gratitude for residents’ co-operation during this exciting trial.”