Over the last few years, shareable e-scooter trials have popped up across the UK, except London. The government allowed e-scooter rental trials by local governments last year, but private e-scooter riding remains prohibited. Transport for London (TfL) and London Councils launched an open and competitive procurement procedure for viable operators due to this legislation. The test will begin on June 7 in several of London’s boroughs, including Canary Wharf and the City of London, alongside Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith, Richmond, and Ealing and will last up to 12 months. In addition, the East London borough of Tower Hamlets will act as a “ride-through” zone where e-scooter mobility is permitted, but parking is not.
TfL has selected three companies for the 12-month long rental pilot program. These three rental companies include a U.S startup Lime, Germany’s Tier, and Dutch’s Dott.
Only participating neighborhoods will allocate parking spots for the scooters, which the operators’ geofencing capabilities will enforce. Riders will be allowed to roam freely throughout these boroughs and “ride-through regions,” which appear to be limited to Tower Hamlets at the moment.
The selected three companies are given the independence of setting their Rental pricing individually, which are yet to be confirmed. However, they will have to keep in mind the essential workers and those who have comparatively lower income while deciding the rental and discounts for the rides.
LIME, in more than 130 cities across Europe, the Middle East, the United States, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, can be found operating rides for electric scooters, bikes, and mopeds, is only consolidating its big-city supremacy. The company was a shoo-in because of its continuous e-bike activities in London.
TIER, whichis the second-heaviest hitter, also has a presence in Paris. Its recent expansion into Kraków, Poland, marks the company’s 100th city, and it has ambitions to expand into Europe, the Middle East, and other markets, as well as add e-bikes to its fleet.
DOTT, the Amsterdam-based company, recently raised a whopping $85 million in series-B funding and is already operating in around 20 European cities. London is going to be Dott’s first UK city to operate e-rides.
This trial has come up as a step to curb the flocking of the people to their cars, public transport such as buses and trains as the post-lockdown phase is about to begin. The authorities believe that this initiative will encourage and motivate people to use an eco-friendly and environmentally-friendly mode of moving about the city. TfL’s Helen Sharp, who is leading the scooter trial, said in a statement, “We’re doing all we can to support London’s safe and sustainable recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, and it’s clear that e-scooters could act as an innovative, greener alternative to car trips.” “This new trial will provide the data and insights we need to determine the longer-term role e-scooters could play in our strategy for a greener and healthier future for London.”
Safety Measures
Some officials are concerned that e-scooters will be a nuisance in the city. Two-wheelers have been thrown in rivers and ridden through retail malls in some cities where they are authorized. The legalization became a matter of great concern after the 2019 accident where Emily Hartridge, a TV presenter and YouTube star who died after colliding with a lorry in London while driving her e-scooter.
As for safety, e-scooters in London will be limited to a maximum speed of 12.5 mph, which is lower than the national it of 15.5 mph. The vehicles must also have front and rear lights, as well as auditory warning systems that may be activated without requiring the rider to shift their grasp on the handlebars. Riders will require to take the “e-learning safety course” to rent their first electric scooter ride. Riders will be allowed to ride the scooters on the roads and the cycle paths, but riding the scooters on the sidewalk is strictly prohibited by the concerned authorities.
The London’s commissioner of walking and cycling, Will Norman, said in a statement that “The safety of those using e-scooters, as well as other road users and pedestrians, is paramount, so it’s important that they are trialed in this rigorous way to ensure high standards.”
This e-scooter step by the Transport for London (TfL) and London Councils is going to help the city get over the post-pandemic difficulties and to stop any further spread of the Covid-19 virus by curbing the use of the crowded public mode of transportation.
More cities worldwide should also adopt similar resolutions to encourage people towards healthier and eco-friendly lifestyle habits.
Such steps help both the general public and the environment.
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Source: London’s Electric Scooter Trial To Begin In June
