E-scooter trials are to go live within York in weeks as part of work on sustainable transport options in the city.

The trials will go live within the city in weeks, starting first with the University of York

The Department for Transport-approved scheme is being run by TIER following a competitive tender, and will initially see up to 100 e-scooters deployed, with more e-scooters and TIER e-bikes to come.

The first e-scooters will be deployed at the University of York in a few weeks, while discussions are also underway as to whether York Hospital will also be able to host the scheme.

Cllr Andy D’Agorne, executive member for transport at City of York Council, said: “This will provide a fantastic opportunity to explore how e-scooters might add to the mix of sustainable transport options, whilst helping to improve air quality and expand our electrical vehicle charging offer. The trial will also form part of the city’s Covid-19 response in terms of, for example, providing sustainable alternatives to support capacity on public transport across the city.”

E-scooter hire in the city will cost riders £1 to unlock the vehicle and 15p per minute travelled. The scheme will also enable riders to draw on the safety and sustainability credentials of TIER’s scooters, which include an integrated helmet and are also being made available with swappable batteries across the fleet, removing the need to collect and transport the vehicles to a warehouse for charging.