York e-scooter plans given go-ahead
Council transport bosses have approved a one year trial.
Electric scooters and bikes will soon be ready to rent in York.
A 12 month trial has been approved - and will see the preferred supplier working alongside York Hospital and the University of York.
The scheme will be provided by a private company rather than the council – and is part of Department for Transport green travel plans.
But as electric scooters are currently illegal to ride in the UK on roads, cycle lanes or pavements, the plans needed council support and the rental scheme would be the only way to legally ride an e-scooter around the city.
Speeds would be limited by geofencing technology – which pinpoints the location of each scooter – and it would be used to stop them from working on pedestrianised streets.
Scooters would need to be left in parking bays, to be installed across the city, when customers have finished their journey. If they are not left in a correct location, users will continue to be charged per minute. This will stop scooters cluttering up streets, the meeting heard.
The hospital and University of York are supporting the plans and Dan Braidley, transport coordinator at the hospital, said: “This is an opportunity for York to be innovative and do something. I think we are missing a trick if we don’t try it.”
Cllr Andy D’Agorne, executive member for transport, said hospital staff he had spoken with were in favour of the plans.
He said some suggested a scheme for hospital staff to park at the Park&Ride and use a scooter to get to and from work.
He said: “I’m sure it will be an exciting development for the city.
“York has always been at the forefront of transport innovation.
“Hopefully we will take the opportunity to learn from the experience and develop something that’s really appropriate for the city of York.”