Brighton & Hove E-Scooter Trial Approved Despite Safety Concerns

A trial scheme allowing e-scooter hire in Brighton & Hove has been approved by the city council, with 400 scooters set to be introduced across 37 hubs.

The scheme could launch as early as this summer and will run for up to two years, following a public consultation last year which received nearly 1,300 responses.

The plans have sparked mixed reactions, with supporters saying e-scooters offer an affordable, convenient way to travel and could help reduce car use and improve air quality.

However, safety concerns have also been raised.

Sarah Gayton, street access campaign coordinator for the National Federation of the Blind UK, described e-scooters as “an absolute nightmare”, warning they pose a serious risk to visually impaired people.

“Blind, visually impaired people do not know where those scooters are coming from because they cannot hear them,” she said.

“They are extremely dangerous.”

Councillor Trevor Muten from Brighton & Hove City Council said the trial would be “highly regulated”, with measures in place to address concerns.

He said speeds would be capped at 12.5mph, dropping to 6.5mph overnight on weekdays, with no access between midnight and 5am at weekends.

Designated go-slow and no-go zones, including pavements, will also be enforced.

The scooters will be linked to existing hire hubs used by Beryl bikes, in an effort to prevent them being left on pavements.

Only people aged 17 and over with at least a provisional driving licence will be able to use the scheme.

Some local businesses have welcomed the move.

Ben Small, owner of Small Street Escooters in Portslade, said the trial would be “only a good thing”, adding that it could help tackle the growing issue of illegal private e-scooter use on public roads.

“With a rental scheme, hopefully people will come to accept them,” he said.

“It’s about monitoring and making sure people are sensible on them.”