As of next month, Londoners will be able to legally use e-scooters. TfL has confirmed a 12-month trail of the rental scooters as of June 7.

London is joining more than 40 towns and cities in the UK that have trialled the e-scooters as the government consider legalising the devices. Although it hasn’t been revealed how much the cost is, the rental service will be available in six areas including Ealing, Kensington and Chelsea, Canary Wharf, Richmond, Hammersmith and Fulham and the City of London. 

Whilst privately owned e-scooters remain illegal, users will only be permitted to ride on roads and cycleways and will have to enrol in an e-learning safety course before they rent for the first time. You will also only be able to travel at a maximum of 12.5mph.

London’s walking and cycling commissioner, Will Norman, commented: “We want to ensure a green, sustainable recovery from coronavirus, and e-scooters are an alternative to cars that could help with this.

“The safety of those using e-scooters, as well as other road users and pedestrians, is absolutely paramount, so it’s important that they are trialled in this rigorous way to ensure high standards. We look forward to exploring the role that e-scooters could play in London’s future.”

[Image Source: Shutterstock]