Decision details

The future of E-scooter and E-bike hire schemes in Buckinghamshire

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

The national e-scooter trial period has been extended for a further two years to 31st May 2026. It is recommended that the Council continues to offer an e-scooter and/or e-bike hire offer after the current contract with Zipp Mobility ends on 31st May 2024.

Decision:

Buckinghamshire Council hosted three of the national e-scooter trials (Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough). The Council introduced e-bikes to complement the trial schemes in Aylesbury and High Wycombe in July 2023. In the King’s speech on 7th November 2023, it was announced that the government’s e-scooter trial period would be extended by a further two years to 31st May 2026. No firm decision had been made by the Government regarding legalisation of e-scooters beyond this point, or beyond the geographic extent of the existing trial areas.

 

The Council’s contract with Zipp Mobility, which operated the service at zero cost to the Council (aside from officer time), was currently set to conclude on 31st May 2024, in line with the former end of the Government’s trial period. Options considered to continue, reduce the scope of, or cease the e-scooter and/or ebike hire offer were outlined in the report.

 

RESOLVED that the E-Scooter and E-bike hire schemes continue until May 2026.

Wards Affected: Abbey; Aston Clinton & Bierton; Aylesbury East; Aylesbury North; Aylesbury North West; Aylesbury South East; Aylesbury South West; Aylesbury West; Booker, Cressex & Castlefield; Downley; Hazlemere; Ryemead & Micklefield; Stone & Waddesdon; Terriers & Amersham Hill; The Risboroughs; Totteridge & Bowerdean; Tylers Green & Loudwater; West Wycombe; Wing;

Details of any conflict of interest declared: None

Contact: Rupert Zierler, Senior Strategy Transport Officer Email: Rupert.Zierler@buckinghamshire.gov.uk.

Report author: Rupert Zierler

Publication date: 22/02/2024

Date of decision: 22/02/2024

Decided at meeting: 22/02/2024 - Cabinet

Effective from: 01/03/2024

Accompanying Documents: