PEOPLE will be able to nip around Taunton on an e-scooter from next week.

A year-long Department of Transport-approved trial will initially see 20 scooters for hire in the county town between 5am and 11pm daily starting on Tuesday.

If demand is high, up to 70 machines will be available to anyone over 16 with a provisional or full driving licence.

It will cost £1 to unlock the e-scooter and 10p per minute thereafter using the Zipp Mobility App.

Weekly and monthly passes are also available.

The trial area in Taunton will be geo-fenced with go/no go areas.

The maximum legal speed is limited to 15.5mph, but there will be slower zones within the trial area.

There will be virtual parking bays at strategic locations around Taunton, although Somerset West and Taunton Council welcomes suggestions on where people would like to see those bays.

Businesses or landowners who would welcome a virtual bay on their land should contact info@zippmobility.com)

Several training sessions have already been held with more scheduled for this Sunday at Deane House car park, Belvedere Road.

There are several 30-minute slots available from 10am to 2pm - to book visit zippmobility.simplybook.it/v2/

Cllr Peter Pilkington, SWT executive member for climate change, was among a group of people trying out the e-scooters last week.

He said: "I am delighted that we have been successful in our bid to be part of the trial scheme and to have secured Zipp Mobility as our operator.

"e-scooters offer a cleaner, low carbon alternative to cars and provide another green alternative to get around and allow for social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic."

The Zipp Mobility e-scooter features an aircraft-grade aluminium frame, 10-inch airless tyres, a swappable battery, dual braking, a wide base and a low centre of gravity, as well as anti-viral handlebar wraps that kill 99.98 per cent of coronaviruses.

Zipp chief executive Charlie Gleeson said: "We place a strong emphasis on safety and quality of service and we are excited to bring this model to the district."

It remains illegal to ride any other e-scooters in Taunton.