New e-scooter trial launched in Liverpool

People in Liverpool will be able to try a new way of getting around the city centre as part of a year-long trial of e-scooters in the city.

A joint initiative of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council, the scheme will see Swedish-based e-scooter company Voi initially bring around 50 of the carbon-neutral vehicles to the city for public hire, with more to follow as the trial continues.

The e-scooters will be available to hire using a mobile app and will be placed at key sites around the city centre – including the shopping and commercial districts as well as near to the University of Liverpool and LJMU campuses. The vehicles will travel at a maximum speed of 10 miles an hour, but their speed will be electronically restricted to around five miles an hour in areas with high footfall.

The Liverpool e-scooter trial is one of more than a dozen taking place across the UK, including in the West Midlands and Northamptonshire. It is hoped that the vehicles can be used to support public transport and provide a new low-carbon mode of transport, particularly vital at a time when vigilance around social distancing is required.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: “I want our area’s transport network to be as cheap, quick and green as possible. E-scooters could offer residents and tourists alike a quick and convenient way to get around the city centre, as happens in many European cities.

“We will be working closely with the council and police to monitor the scheme and make sure that the scooters are being used safely and properly. If the trial goes well, then we can look forward to seeing these scooters play a role in my plans for a London-style transport system.”