Transport for London Launches First Ever E-Scooter Pilot, London, UK, 2021

Transport for London (TfL) and London Councils have selected Dott, Lime, and TIER to participate in London’s first ever e-scooter pilot. This pilot will last for up to twelve months and will see up to 6,600 e-scooters operate in the areas of Canary Wharf, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, and Richmond. All scooters will be equipped with safety features including always-on lights and geofencing that restricts the parking and movement of scooters to particular areas. Per the pilot’s regulation, the e-scooters have a maximum regulation of 12.5 miles per hour. Scooters can be borrowed through smartphone apps and fares for fifteen-minute rental range from £3.25 to £3.40,  which equates to a range of about $4.50 to $5.

This program has come about after the United Kingdom government legalized e-scooter rental pilots. Currently, privately owned e-scooters are illegal in the United Kingdom. TfL consulted with members of its Independent Disability Advisory Group to figure out how this pilot will ensure the safety and right of way for people with disabilities. As the largest yet e-scooter pilot in the United Kingdom, this program holds the promise to significantly influence the shared mobility landscape through the country and Europe.

Last updated June 15, 2021