E-scooters in Liverpool are to have artificial noise added to them after concerns were raised about the danger to pedestrians, in particular partially sighted and blind people.
Voi, the operator of the electric scooters being used in Liverpool's year-long trial, said the machines would emit a "low hum" to alert other road users that an e-scooter was approaching.
The noise is similar to the artificial engine noise used on electric cars.
The ECHO has reported previously on near-misses involving e-scooter riders and the visually impaired.
Voi will be adding the sound to 60 e-scooters in its three largest cities where the trial is taking place - Liverpool, Birmingham and Bristol.
The addition of sounds on scooters forms part of a wider working collaboration with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to understand the needs of blind and partially sighted pedestrians during e-scooter trials.
Data from the pilot areas will be shared with local authorities and Department for Transport.
Jack Samler, general manager at Voi UK and Ireland, said: "Electric engines on e-scooters, like those on electric cars and buses, are extremely quiet which can be unnerving to other road users.
"By adding an appropriate sound we can hopefully improve the safety of our operations for all road users, including those who are vulnerable because of sight loss.
"This is the latest pilot as part of our partnership with the RNIB to address mobility issues faced by blind and partially sighted people. We’re looking forward to testing the new sound in the West of England, Birmingham and Liverpool and evaluating the impact it has during the trials."
Robin Spinks, RNIB Strategic Lead Innovation Partnerships, said: "We are collaborating with the industry to create solutions which are sensitive to the needs of blind and partially sighted people.
"An audible warning is one such solution and we look forward to receiving feedback from the community."
The company has previously made clear that to ride an e-scooter you must be at least 18 years old, have a provisional driving licence and only use roads and cycle lanes, as well as complying with other traffic regulations.
It is illegal to ride the scooters on the pavement and that people can be blocked from using electric scooters if they break the rules, with the company working with police and ambassadors on the ground to monitor how they are being used.
Riders are also advised to wear helmets.
Other electric scooters are not permitted for use on the road or on cycle lanes.
