Scotland's first electric scooter hire scheme in Glasgow recommended for approval

Riders will have to be over 18 and hold at least a provisional driving licence

Glasgow city councillors were today recommended to approve the go-ahead for Scotland’s first e-scooter rental trial.

They would be permitted on roads and cycle paths but not pavements, and limited to 15.5mph like electric bikes.

E-scooters are currently only permitted on private land.

British e-scooter trials have been confined to England so far. Picture: Yui Mok/PA WireBritish e-scooter trials have been confined to England so far. Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire
British e-scooter trials have been confined to England so far. Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire
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Council officials believe e-scooters would provide a less polluting transport option for short trips that would enable people to socially distance.

The plan will be considered by the council’s environment, sustainability and carbon reduction policy committee next week with a recommendation to pass it t the city administration committee for approval.

The move follows the UK Government permitting councils in England to launch trials.

However, a Glasgow trial would also require a change to Scottish legislation, as Scotland on Sunday has revealed. so e-scooters could be used legally on roads and cycle paths.

E-scooters would be banned from pavements, and limited to roads and cycle paths. Picture: Getty ImagesE-scooters would be banned from pavements, and limited to roads and cycle paths. Picture: Getty Images
E-scooters would be banned from pavements, and limited to roads and cycle paths. Picture: Getty Images

The city council said scooters would be tracked by GPS so they would only be useable in a designated zone and could have lower speed limits applied in certain areas.

It said they would cost £1 to use plus 12-35p per minute.

The scheme’s operator would run it at no cost to the council.

Sustainability and carbon reduction convener Anna Richardson said: “E-scooters have the potential to add to Glasgow’s transport system while keeping carbon emissions down.

“We are following the trials with other local authorities with interest and we do see there are some issues with how they are used.

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"A trial is a chance for any problems to be ironed out and see whether the advantages outweigh any concerns.”

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