Nottingham's e-scooter trial is set to continue until 2024 with more than 2m rides completed since the trial began. The trial, which started in October 2020, was later extended for a further year until November 2022 - but it has now been confirmed that the trial will last until May 2024.
In July 2022, the Department for Transport announced that local authorities would have the option of carrying on with the trials up to this point. On average, there have been 3,500 rides a day during the trial, which makes Nottingham one of the most popular e-scooter locations in the country, with more than 1,000 scooters available in 400 locations around the city.
Nottingham is one of many cities trialling e-scooters, and it is hoped the trial can be learnt from to integrate e-scooters into other cities around the UK, if they become legalised in the future. There are many concerns regarding safety, parking, customer service and communications for the scheme, but these have improved over the past two years, officials behind the scheme have said.
Read More: Big support for Nottinghamshire busker after council bans him from town centre for 24 hours
Parking racks and marked parking bays have been installed to address issues over e-scooters being left obstructing pavements. Fines can also be issued, and riders are now required to upload a photo showing that the e-scooter has been parked considerately.
Compliance patrols are being used to address pavement riding, which adapt a ‘three strikes and you’re out’ policy banning riders. There is also a new system called Pedestrian Defense, this alerts riders in real time to when they’re riding on the pavement to help educate them on where and where not to ride. A new scooter model has also been introduced with number plates, and an age limit raised from 16 to 18.
In partnership with Nottingham City Council, the operator Superpedestrian will be using the rest of the trial to focus on measures to improve the trial further, whilst also trying to get more women and older people to try the e-scooters. They will also be feeding back what they learn to the Department for Transport to help with their national evaluation.
Councillor Audra Wynter, portfolio holder for highways, transport and parks, said: “It’s good news that the e-scooter trial will continue to run until spring 2024. We are continuing to learn new things, listen to feedback and make improvements along with our partners at Superpedestrian, to inform a future scheme if e-scooters are rolled out nationwide.
“I want to thank everyone who continues to give us feedback to help us create a safe future for e-scooters in the UK.” Jean Andrews, policy director at Superpedestrian, added: "We’re thrilled about the continuation of Nottingham’s e-scooter trial.
"In the next year of operation, we’ll be bringing more upgraded technology and continuing to educate riders about safe riding and parking. Superpedestrian takes seriously our role in this community as both a transport provider and community partner.” The previous Wind yellow e-scooters were replaced with those run by Superpedestrian which were deemed to be safer for users.
Read Next:
