Cabinet considers Brighton & Hove e-scooter trial

Councillors will next week consider Brighton & Hove taking part in an e-scooter trial.

Cabinet members will be presented with a report on Thursday 16 October that sets out plans for a regulated and controlled trial of an e-scooter hire scheme.

E-scooter use has been shown to have several benefits, including faster journeys, affordable travel, reduced car use and reduced air pollution.*

Data has also shown e-scooters are more likely to be used by those on lower incomes and that almost half would combine their most common e-scooter journey with at least one other mode of transport.*

*CoMoUK Shared Micromobility annual report 2024

Image: Two people riding Beryl e-scooters

E-scooter trial

If approved, the council would apply to the Department for Transport (DfT) to take part in a trial. In advance of any trial starting, we’d also hold a six-week public consultation where people could give us their feedback to help shape the approach.

Following the consultation, and if approved by the DfT, e-scooter hire would begin in 2026, allowing us to join more than 50 towns and cities across England that are currently taking part in trials and supporting research into e-scooter use in the UK.

Approximately 300 e-scooters will be available to hire from around 30 existing Bikeshare hubs, located mainly along the seafront and in key transport corridors run by the city’s current Bikeshare operator Beryl.

More information can be found in the report being presented to Cabinet.

Key safety features

A regulated hire scheme means we would have greater powers to control how e-scooters can be hired and used, providing users with a safe and legal alternative to private e-scooters.

• Only people aged 17 and over and holding a minimum of a provisional driving license will be able to hire an e-scooter.
• E-scooters can only be ridden on the road, in cycle lanes or in shared spaces. They won’t be allowed on pavements and accounts may be suspended or cancelled for failing to comply.
• They will have a maximum speed of 12.5 mph and include front and rear lights, registration plates and horns.
• GPS technology will prevent them from being used outside of the hire zone, including areas like the promenade and Undercliff.
• A curfew will mean e-scooters cannot be hired between the hours of midnight and 5am on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
• E-scooters will operate on a “go slow” speed of 6.5 mph between midnight and 5am Monday to Friday.
• While it’s not a legal requirement to use one, users will also be incentivised to wear helmets.

Greater transport options

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said: “If approved, this would allow us to assess the viability of e-scooters in Brighton & Hove within a properly controlled scheme that eliminates the need for illegal e-scooter riding, which I know is a concern for many.

“Other trials suggest that some scooter journeys replace car use, thereby reducing air pollution and congestion.

“We’ll be listening to residents’ views and taking on their feedback before, during and after any trial. I’d urge everyone to take part.

“E-scooters will add to a growing and integrated transport network in our city. Our Bus Service Improvement Plan is already making bus travel easier and more affordable and we’re spending around £8 million to improve our roads and pavements.

“New infrastructure on the A23, through Valley Gardens and along the seafront has made cycling easier and safer. It all adds up to a greater number of sustainable transport options for our residents and visitors.”