THE e-scooter trial in Taunton and Minehead is being extended until the end of May 2024.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) has agreed to continue the schemes following public consultation and Department of Transport (DfT) approval.

The council received 364 responses to its survey in the Minehead area, 192 of whom had used e-scooters during the trial.

Of the respondents, 199 were "satisfied, more than satisfied or very satisfied" with the trial, while 163 were "partly satisfied or not satisfied".

Cllr Dixie Darch, SWT executive member for climate change, said: “We're encouraged by the DfT’s announcement and the feedback received from our recent consultation, and delighted to be extending the trials in Minehead and Taunton.

"Extending these trials will enable the DfT to obtain more accurate data with regards to safety and to establish best practice for shared micro-mobility services.

“Trying out new environmentally friendly modes of transport is essential to meet our climate commitment for a carbon neutral district by 2030.

"e-scooters offer a clean, low carbon alternative to using fossil fuelled vehicles for shorter journeys. As well as reducing harmful emissions, e-scooters can help to reduce noise pollution and congestion on busy urban roads.”

Since launching in October 2020, Taunton’s trial has seen 121,750 rides by nearly 15,000 people travelling over 228,500 miles, removing an estimated 31.4tonnes of atmospheric carbon compared with fossil fuel powered vehicles.

Minehead’s trial has seen almost 30,000 rides by over 12,000 riders travelling over 43,000 miles, removing an equivalent 6tonnes of carbon since launching in June 2021.

The schemes are managed by Zipp Mobility, which operates the service seven days a week from 5am until 10.30pm, for users aged 16 or over with a provisional or full driving licence.

e-scooters, which are limited to a maximum 15.5mph, can be unlocked for £1 and users are charged 15p per minute thereafter using Zipp Mobility’s App.

Charlie Gleeson, Zipp Mobility chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be able to continue to contribute to SWT’s ambitious climate action goals.

"This move is a clear recognition of the success of the trial to date and we look forward to improving on this over the next 18 months.”