The West of England’s e-scooter trial scheme is expanding (Image: Tier-Dott)

The West of England’s trial scheme for hiring e-scooters and e-bikes is set to expand eastwards from Bristol, according to council chiefs.

The scheme will extend into parts of South Gloucestershire to the east of the Avon Ring Road starting today, with further extensions north of the M4 planned for next month. Some Bristol Live readers are unhappy at the plans.

Currently, these vehicles can be hired on the streets in Bristol and the northern outskirts of the city within South Gloucestershire, including areas like Kingswood and Staple Hill.

However, Metro Mayor Helen Godwin has announced a further expansion that will bring an additional 40,000 residents into the scheme’s area.

This means the distinctive green scooters and bikes will soon be seen on the streets of eastern areas such as Cadbury Heath, Longwell Green, Oldland Common, and Warmley.

For the first time, from July 7, areas in South Gloucestershire on the other side of the M4 – including Coalpit Heath, Frampton Cotterell, and Winterbourne – will also see the introduction of e-scooters and e-bikes.

“E-bikes and e-scooters have quickly become a big part of our transport mix in Bristol and Bath, and parts of South Gloucestershire, helping to reduce congestion on our roads and improve air quality,” explained Metro Mayor Helen Godwin.

“An additional 40,000 people across South Gloucestershire will now have the opportunity to use an e-bike or e-scooter for shorter, more sustainable journeys.”

However she went on to say “We need to have learned the lessons from the initial e-scooter launch. Convenient travel for some people shouldn’t inconvenience others – so there will be a renewed focus on responsible parking. Working with the police and councils, we will also soon be starting a joint e-scooter safety campaign to try to help everyone stay safe on our roads.”

Commenter Kaylon64 asks: “Just when is this ‘trial’ ending? It just goes on and on with different firms but the issues stay the same. Private or hire, they’re equally as bad. Cyclepaths were built for cycling and those who appreciate the health benefits. They weren’t built for people to avoid cycling, bring motorised traffic into a cycling environment because they crave speed & convenience, but can’t be bothered to pedal.”

Terryst says: “So I expect this will cause more e-scooters being ridden illegally and endangering pedestrians who have more right to be on the pavement.”

Muttsnuts wonders: “Why are they expanding this dangerous means of transport? Just means more unlicensed, uninsured and untraceable road users.”

Malagogogirl points out: “The ones in the expanding trial are insured and traceable.”

Bemmybristol believes: “E scooters are an urban menace. I see countless riders driving too fast, going through red traffic lights and they have no concern for pedestrians. They are linked to over 100 serious accidents in Bristol alone. These vehicles need to be more closely monitored and carry a visible numbering system in order that reported incidents can be investigated.”

Banksstuart2 agrees: “E-scooter riders often ride on pavement surfaces that are too narrow for sharing with pedestrians. They are too impatient to stop and then bully passers by by squeezing between them and the roadside edge of the pavement. This rarely if ever happens with cyclists who have more physical presence and the courtesy to either hang back or use the road.”

Junius adds: “There needs to be more and better policing of the abuses of e-scooter use, particularly with respect to the age of users and illicitly carrying passengers. The costing of all this, and how it will be funded, needs to be made transparent. The police need to crack down on privately owned e-scooters on roads and pavements and ‘illegal’ e-bikes.”

Lili Pof thinks: “This is another viable alternative that the majority of motorists could choose to use. However, many of them who could change prefer to be part of the congestion problem, and then the only way that they can justify that is to complain about all the alternatives.”

How do you feel about e-scooters? Are they a menace or a viable alternative to getting in the car? Have your say in our comments section.