Bristol has seen a surge in electric scooter usage, with Voi e-scooters gaining popularity among 61,000 users and more than 415,000 rides since the trial began in late autumn.
As lockdown restrictions ease, the scooters are increasingly used and are expanding into South Gloucestershire and Bath. However, concerns about parking, safety, and the potential impact on a more sedentary lifestyle have been raised.
Currently, e-scooters are parked on sidewalks, causing inconvenience to pedestrians, and prompting suggestions for designated on-street parking spaces.
While e-scooters have replaced some car trips, most have replaced walking or bus journeys. Safety remains a concern, with police monitoring road traffic collisions and ensuring compliance with rules.
Opinions on the scooters are divided, with users calling for more parking locations and better infrastructure, while others express concerns about privately-owned, illegal scooters.
Charities supporting the blind and partially-sighted have raised concerns about trip hazards, and some users argue that e-scooters are useful for women returning home late at night.
As the pilot scheme continues, the Department of Transport, police, and local councils will need to address safety and legality issues, including decisions about legalizing privately-owned e-scooters and related regulations.
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