E-scooter hire scheme trial – have your say

People across Brighton & Hove are being given the opportunity to have their say on plans for an e-scooter hire scheme trial in the city.

We’re launching a six-week consultation today (Monday 10 November) on the trial, which would begin in spring 2026, subject to approval from the Department for Transport (DfT) and the views of residents, businesses and other stakeholders.

We want residents, businesses and visitors to have their say on the scheme, proposed hub locations, safety features and whether they’d be interested in using an e-scooter.

A regulated and controlled trial would mean the city joins more than 50 other areas of England currently trialling schemes and rid the need for people to use illegal e-scooters.

You have until Sunday 21 December to take part in the consultation.

Benefits of ‘micro-mobility’

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 they’re more likely to be used by those on lower incomes and that almost half of users combine their most common e-scooter journey with at least one other mode of transport.

You can read more about the potential benefits of e-scooters in the CoMoUK Shared Micromobility annual report 2024

How the trial would work

Following the consultation and if approved by the DfT, around 300 e-scooters would be available for hire from an initial 37 hub locations, mainly on the seafront and in key transport corridors.

The trial scheme would be run by the city’s current Bikeshare operator Beryl.

The e-scooters would also have safety features, including:

• Only people aged 17 and over and holding a minimum of a provisional driving licence 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 (3mph slower than the legal maximum allowed for trials) 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.

Picture: An e-scooter which would be part of a trial

Listening to our city

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said: “A regulated and controlled trial would give us the chance to properly assess the viability of e-scooters in Brighton & Hove.

“But it’s important people are given the chance to give us their feedback before we go ahead. The consultation is a chance for everyone to have their say and I’d urge people to take part.

“With a carefully regulated scheme with a trusted partner, e-scooters could be a valuable addition to the city, supporting quicker journeys and linking with other forms of public transport and eliminating the need for illegal e-scooter use.”