Agenda item

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.

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.

The Council’s own trials for e-scooters started in Aylesbury and High Wycombe in October 2020. A further trial was launched in Princes Risborough in May 2021. Fifty-one thousand people have downloaded the app and there were currently 85 e-scooters in Wycombe, 173 in Aylesbury and 10 in Princes Risborough. E-scooters tended to be used by younger people whilst e-bikes were used by older people. At the moment privately-owned e-scooters were illegal on both roads and in pedestrian areas, including within the designated trial areas; being classed as motor vehicles but not having received clearance by statute for use on roads. Safety features have been added to the rental scheme e-scooters during the trials at the Councils request, including enhanced braking and additional light fittings, which were likely to be absent from privately-owned scooters. In particular, the rental scheme e-scooters were ‘geofenced’ to operate within specified areas only, and their speed limited to 15.5mph, which private e-scooters were not. The trial zones could not be extended to new areas or towns at present.

Buckinghamshire Council’s e-scooter and e-bike scheme was managed at zero cost to the Council by the supplier. If there was any loss the burden was on the supplier.

E-bikes were introduced to the Aylesbury and High Wycombe rental schemes in July 2023. E-bikes were legal to use on the highway, having the same road classification as pedal bicycles. Fifty e-bikes were split between Aylesbury and High Wycombe. However, Zipp Mobility had experienced multiple issues with vandalism and theft and so the security of these was currently being reviewed. Zipp was relaunching the e-bikes in early 2024, with enhanced security features.

Through the Council’s own surveys and the DfT’s 2022 report it was clear that e-scooters did provide a sustainable travel solution for local journeys. Zipp Mobility had performed well in terms of customer service (customer satisfaction is 83%) and safety record when compared to the national picture. Continuing the scheme meant the Council could continue to offer a sustainable travel option to the local community, helping to reduce congestion and carbon emissions.

It was noted that two local members in Wycombe, Councillors Clarke and Green had some reservations regarding the e-scooter trial and their safety. However the Council had worked closely with the police to educate young people on the safe use of e-scooters in Aylesbury and it would be helpful to have an education event in Wycombe. Reference was made to the fact that Paris had banned rental scooters but not private scooters which was confusing as the rental scooters had better safety control.  Copenhagen and Madrid had brought back e-scooters with better controls.

During discussion the following points were noted:-

·       In terms of the EQIA the service area had liaised with different groups and they had discussions with the supplier about improving features e.g a different coloured bell.

·       Concern was raised about the vandalism and theft of the e-bikes and whether anything could be attached to the e-bikes to stop this. The Cabinet Member for Transport reported that any obstacles could be trip hazards. When a resident had finished using them they were supposed to take a photograph of the bike/scooter and where they had left it. There were also geo locators to see where they could be picked up and also whether any batteries needed replacing. It was important to move units around to ensure ease of access. It was thought that the theft of e-bikes was an organised activity which was not replicated elsewhere.

·       The aim of the pilot scheme was to look at the benefits of installing a more permanent scheme.

·       E-scooters could be used in any designated area and shared walking and cycle ways. This was shown by a blue sign with a picture of a bike.

·       There was also legislation in place to limit the speeds of e-bikes to ensure that they were not modified to increase speed. It was up to the police to enforce this.

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