Edinburgh could see a rise in the number of people scooting about the streets, as plans for a new e-scooter hire network are discussed for next year.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the Department of Transport are exploring new ways that could allow people to travel to work whilst avoiding using public transport.
Officials have already suggested bikes and walking, however sources have stated that due to the capital's younger population, the electric scooters could prove extremely popular.
Jonathan Ratcliffe, from Edinburgh Office Space Provider, said:
“The Government is going to drastically change the way we commute and move around our cities and towns – the shift toward moving people, not vehicles. Electric scooters could be a common sight on the roads around Edinburgh within a year.
“We are looking at ways to incorporate the demand for electric scooters into the fabric of our Edinburgh properties, we think they could be as popular as they are on the Continent”, Ratcliffe adds.
Trials are being set up in Birmingham and Coventry to test the technology and benefits that e-scooters could bring to city travel. If successful, the trials would be extended out to other cities such as Edinburgh.
Using a similar system to the Just Eat bikes, the scooters would be in a docking system, allowing them to be easily hired. An electric scooter may also provide a more attractive option for someone who cannot manage the physical fitness needed to commute by bike.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, who is part of the trial, said:
“This trial will help bring more flexibility, choice, and greener travel solutions for the region, at a time when we are facing a climate emergency and urging people to leave the car at home.
“We will also use the trial to look at the current transport challenges the coronavirus pandemic has presented us with and explore how e-scooters could be used to help tackle them.”
The trial will look closely at how e-scooters are able to support connectivity between key public transport interchanges and local centres. It will also look to the use of e-scooters in other countries. E-scooters are already available to hire in cities such as Barcelona and Vienna.
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