Southampton cycle lane e-scooter trial set to stay

Published by

Sam Pither

Legislation allowing the use of e-scooters in Southampton’s bike lanes looks set to be made permanent by Southampton City Council.

Since 3 March 2021, the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) has allowed the use of Voi-brand E-scooters in cycle lanes. It was due to expire on 13 September.

The council has now decided to remove the ‘experimental’, making it a permanent Traffic Regulation Order. This opens the door for the city to continue its Voi e-scooter scheme, as the legislation does not apply to privately-owned e-scooters.

This is partly because the Voi e-scooters available under the scheme are limited to 12.5 mph, whereas privately-owned scooters can reach speeds far exceeding this. The scheme is only open to over-18s who hold a full or provisional driving licence with a "Q" category entitlement.

At a meeting last week, the council voted to unanimously pass the order, despite 72 objections from residents.

Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset. A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise. Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.