Second phase of London e-scooter trial goes live

Credit: Transport for London

Transport for London (TfL), London Councils, participating London boroughs and e-scooter operators Dott, Lime and Voi have launched the second phase of the rental e-scooters trial in the English capital city on 25 September 2023. 

Dott, Lime and Voi were selected earlier in 2023 following a competitive procurement process, where their ability to meet strict safety requirements and high operating standards was carefully assessed. The trial’s next phase will look to build on its existing success by gathering more data to inform policy on rental e-scooters and trialling further innovations. This includes trialling new technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) to improve parking compliance and exploring the use of pavement riding detection technology and audible vehicle alerts. 

Over the past two years, TfL and London Councils have worked with participating London boroughs and operators to improve the use of geofencing technology and increase the number of parking bays, with more than 600 parking bays now available across the trial area. This effort to improve the customer experience for rental e-scooter users will continue throughout this next phase. The trial currently runs in 10 London boroughs who have chosen to take part. The next phase with Dott, Lime and Voi will see an expansion in coverage, including to the south of Lambeth with around 190 new parking bays later in 2023.

Safety will continue to be at the heart of the London trial, with rental e-scooters offering a number of safety benefits over private e-scooters (which remain unlawful on public roads). These include: 

• A lower maximum speed of 12.5mph
• Lights at the front and the rear of the vehicles that are always on throughout any rental
• GPS controlled parking and no-go zones
• A unique identification number plate on every vehicle
• A higher standard for fire and battery safety management.  

With fewer than 0.001% of trips so far resulting in a serious injury, the London trial’s strong safety record to date demonstrates the benefits of clear standards and elevated safety requirements for e-scooters. 

Following a discussion at London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, TfL, London Councils and London boroughs will now also be exploring the design of one coordinated future scheme to manage dockless e-bikes and e-scooters in London, through a contract, to improve parking of the vehicles, whilst also increasing the quality and sustainability of these services in London. 

Will Norman, London’s Walking & Cycling Commissioner, said: “London’s rental e-scooters are a great way to get around London, provided that they’re used and parked safely. The first phase of the e-scooter trial has been hugely popular, and the findings are helping us to develop our approach in London. I look forward to TfL launching the next phase, to see how e-scooters can be rolled out successfully in the capital, building a better, greener, safer London for all.” 

Helen Sharp, Transport for London‘s e-scooter trial lead, said: “London’s trial of rental e-scooters is gathering hugely valuable data and insights about e-scooters, having successfully delivered more than three million trips so far with operators Dott, Lime and TIER. The successes of the first phase of the trial and efforts from these operators alongside London Councils and the participating boroughs allows us to build on this through the next phase of the trial, which will make it even safer, easier and more convenient to use e-scooters through a rental scheme. There are also new improvements planned on parking compliance and an increase in the number of parking spaces and in the number of boroughs taking part.” 

“Safety remains our number one priority for this trial, and we will work closely with the e-scooter operators, London Councils and participating boroughs to ensure that we continue to meet rigorous standards. We will continue to work closely with our stakeholders, including TfL’s Independent Disability Advisory Group, ensuring that the trial meets the needs of everybody travelling through London. This new phase of the trial will provide even more data and insights to determine the longer-term role that e-scooters could play in our strategy for a greener and healthier future for London,” she added.  

Jack Samler, Voi’s Regional Manager for UK, France and Ireland, said: “We are bringing our experience from operating around the UK and Europe to London. We can’t wait to get Londoners using our vehicles, whether it’s for their commute, to head to the shops, or to visit friends. Using e-scooters is a safe, convenient and sustainable way to travel in London.” 

Michael Ventouris, General Manager, London at Dott, said: “The first phase of London’s e-scooter trial has successfully shown that shared e-scooters can provide an efficient, safe and reliable service, carefully integrated into the city to respect all residents. We look forward to working closely with TfL and the other operators to continue to grow the service, encouraging more people to switch from cars to sustainable alternatives and contributing to lower pollution and congestion in London.” 

Hal Stevenson, Director of Policy UKI at Lime, said: “We are excited to extend Lime’s partnership with TfL for phase two of London’s e-scooter trial scheme. We have worked closely together over the last two years to launch and deliver a safe, affordable and sustainable e-scooter service that many Londoners now trust and rely on to get around. During this time, we have collected vital data that will both help to inform future national legislation, and that successfully shows Londoners are truly embracing greener, alternative modes of transport to get around the city. With over five years of experience operating in the city, we look forward to expanding the scheme into 2024 to help even more people realise the benefits e-scooters can bring for commuting, running errands… or simply skipping traffic.”