Responding to news of the rental e-scooters trial in London, Rob Whitehead, Director of Strategic Projects said:

“E-scooters can get Londoners around our city safely and efficiently, and be an alternative to unnecessary car trips, reducing congestion and emissions.

“London has been slow to adopt e-scooters compared to elsewhere in the UK and around the world, so we’re pleased that Transport for London is finally pushing forward with a 12-month trial of rental e-scooters from June.

“The next step must be for the government to work with local authorities and transport agencies to legalise privately owned e-scooters so they are used safely and appropriately, and develop a roadmap which encourages the use of lower carbon, small vehicles in London.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Centre for London is the capital’s dedicated think tank. The Centre develops new solutions to London’s critical challenges and advocates for a fair and prosperous global city.
• Centre for London is the Secretariat for the London Micromobility Alliance which seeks to research and promote micromobility (bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, cargo bikes) in London as a solution to many of the capital’s most pressing challenges.
• Centre for London is currently researching how London can set the gold standard for micromobility. The report will be published in autumn 2021.