E-scooter trial in city underway

A controversial year-long trial of electric scooters on the city’s streets started this week.

Up to 100 of the vehicles are now available to use in Canterbury after Kent County Council (KCC) was successful in bidding for the pilot, which was given the green light by the Department for Transport.

KCC has appointed electric scooter company Bird to head up the project after a competitive tender process. Initially, the trial will run on a set route serving students from the city’s universities, with scooters powering down if they cross the approved boundary. It follows the cycle network starting at the University of Kent, along the Eliot footpath and connecting to the St Stephen’s area, through Beverly Meadow and over The Causeway towards Northgate.

It then connects to Canterbury Christ Church University on North Holmes Road via Victoria Row and Artillery Street. From February, the trial will expand to include Canterbury West railway station, with the potential to add more e-scooters near to the station itself. If successful, the third phase will begin in May, expanding the scheme to cover the city centre. From August the final phase could be rolled out, offering e-scooters to all residents. KCC cabinet member for highways and transport Michael Payne said: “It is our hope that in due course everyone will be able to enjoy the benefits of this sustainable travel.”

KCC wants to hear residents’ views throughout the trial and these can be made online until May 3.

The Bird electric scooters