The sight of e-scooters zipping around parts of Salford is set to continue for another two years after the council agreed to extend a trial scheme. The green scooters are operated by Lime and have been in place in the city of Salford since October 2020. Since then, nearly one million journeys have been made using them, with council officers labelling it “successful” trial so far. The scheme will be extended to May 2026 – but there were questions raised about safety at a council meeting on Monday, March 25. Coun Barbara Bentham said there have been worries from fire and rescue services about the batteries used to power scooters. Salford council officer Lee Evans said there haven’t been any incidents involving batteries, which are removed by Lime when in need of recharging and have to be up to standard. The trial scheme permits the scooters to be used anywhere in the city of Salford, but the town hall has limited usage to an area between the University of Salford, Salford Quays and up to the boundary with Manchester city council, as well as parts of Pendleton to Salford Royal Hospital. This was done as part of a phased rollout, and the council has the option of extending the area of use in future. Lime is planning to introduce new e-scooters in Salford where riders can sit down, to “open up this mode of travel to more people.” It’s thought most journeys taken using scooters are onward journeys, such as someone taking the bus most of the way before jumping on a scooter to reach their end destination. The council first partnered with Lime Scooters in October 2020, part of a scheme set up by the Department of Transport during the pandemic. Scooters can be found and parked in specific locations in Salford, which users can find using a mobile app. They can be ridden the same as a pedal cycle, and can use bike lanes and shared footways where cycling is permitted. Since it launched in the city, there have been “relatively low levels of incidents” according to a report, with just three reported injuries in total, all which were minor. The cost of riding the e-scooters varies between locations, but on the app a scooter in Salford currently costs £1 to start, and then 17p per minute. The extension of the trial will see different operators given the chance to put forward their case for running the scheme. Council and Transport for Greater Manchester officers will make the final choice of the e-scooter provider to manage the remainder of the trial in Salford. Trial costs and any costs incurred by the council as part of the scheme are covered by the operator, currently Lime. The company provides e-scooters in 125 cities around the world. Anyone who is over 18 and holds a provisional driving license can hire one of the scooters. Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development, said: “I am delighted to confirm the extension of the Department for Transport E-scooter trial in Salford in partnership with Lime. This decision reflects our commitment to exploring innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions. “The success of Lime’s management during the trial period and the high level of usage of the e-scooters highlights the positive impact they have been having in our community. We look forward to continuing this collaborative journey towards a more modern, cleaner, greener and sustainable Salford.”
