Request a new e-scooter trial
Source: gov.uk (2025-07-21)

How local authorities in England can request a new e-scooter trial in their area.

Background

In July 2025, the government announced that new e-scooters trials would be allowed to open to help fill evidence gaps and gather new learning around:
- e-scooter safety
- the impact of local area characteristics
- how e-scooters contribute to meeting new government missions
This will ensure we have the best possible evidence base to inform how to legislate.

New trial requirements

For a new trial area to be considered, at least one of the following must apply to the trial.

New features

The trial must include features that help fill remaining evidence gaps - for example, on the impact of different speed limits or helmet provision. There is more information about this in the application form.

Unique local characteristic

The trial must have a unique local characteristic from which we can gather new learning - for example, a unique demography, topography, or transport system.

Application process

All trial proposals need to come from local authorities. E-scooter operators can take part in the trials where they are appointed by a local authority and with the necessary permissions from the Department for Transport (DfT).

The application process consists of 2 stages.

First, the local authority will need to complete an application form. If this meets requirements, the application will be approved in principle at this stage.

The local authority will then need to secure an e-scooter operator.

Once this is done, the local authority should:
- submit its fleet management plans and agreed measures to address anti-social behaviour
- reconfirm that the trial meets all DfT requirements
- submit a shapefile showing the agreed geographic boundary for their trial
If these submissions are satisfactory, a decision concerning final approval will be made by the department, and if approved will allow the new trial to open.

The number of new trial areas will be subject to review, guided by ongoing evaluation of what is needed to achieve the trials’ learning objectives.

Information you will need to provide

All applications must include the following:
- confirmation of which eligibility criterion will be met
- a description of how the e-scooter trial will help meet local transport objectives, alongside the measures that will be used to assess whether these objectives have been met through delivery of the proposed e-scooter trial
- agreement to meet all DfT trial requirements
- evidence of early local engagement undertaken, including with disability groups and the police, and what action will be taken to address any issues raised by these groups
- the proposed approach for selecting the e-scooter operator who will service the trial
- the key metrics that will be used to determine whether the service is running safely and to a high quality
- an initial assessment of the availability of sufficient parking
- a proposal for how the local authority intends to integrate the e-scooter trial within their existing transport system
- a boundary map of the proposed trial area
Application form

To apply to open a new e-scooter trial in your area email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) to request an application form.

All applications must be supported by all levels of local government within the proposed trial area.

All applications for new e-scooter trials must be submitted using the application form that we provide.

If you have any questions following the submission of your application, you can email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).

Timescales

The first application window will run between 21 July 2025 and 21 October 2025.

A second application window will open in early 2026. Specific dates will be announced in due course.

Guidance for current schemes

Read guidance for local authorities and rental operators on running an e-scooter trial (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/e-scooter-trials-guidance-for-local-areas-and-rental-operators).