E-scooter trials in Buckinghamshire extended for a further 2 years
Buckinghamshire Council has extended its e-scooter trial in Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Princes Risborough until 31 May 2026.
This follows the Department for Transport (DfT) extending the national e-scooter trial to continue their assessment of impacts and allow legislation to be put in place to legalise e-scooters.
The continuation of the e-scooter trial will help to reduce the use of private e-scooters, which are illegal to ride on pavements, roads or public spaces. The scheme also supports the council’s Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy by promoting sustainable low-carbon transport alternatives for shorter trips.
The e-scooter trial is managed at zero cost to Buckinghamshire Council and operated by Zipp Mobility.
Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“The e-scooter trial has so far proved successful with a high level of usage, particularly among younger users. Continuing the scheme means we will continue to offer a sustainable travel option to the local community, helping to reduce congestion. To date, more than 327,000 trips covering more than 507,000 miles have taken place across the three trial areas. A large proportion of these trips would have been made by car, and so enabling people to use e-scooters means we are also reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.
“The trials to date have, overall, had a strong safety record in Buckinghamshire. This is due to us being able to control the Zipp e-scooters by limiting the areas they can be used in, limiting their speed and ensuring they have enhanced braking systems. Where people misuse the permitted e-scooters then they are either reported to the police or have their account revoked. Extending the e-scooter rental trial will also help to minimise the use of private e-scooters by offering a safer and legal alternative."
In Buckinghamshire, only Zipp Mobility e-scooters are legal on roads, public spaces, or shared-use pavements which are eligible for use by bicycles. Riders of privately-owned e-scooters in these areas risk receiving a large fine, points on their driving licence, and the possibility of their e-scooter being seized.
You can find out more about e-scooter use on the Thames Valley Police website.