Bird has won its second UK e-scooter trial and put Kent on the map. A 12-month programme in Canterbury has been approved by the DfT.
The project will start with around 100 e-scooters but they will be available only to staff and students at the campuses of University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University. A “controlled route” (read: geofenced) will allow riders to scoot between the two locations.
“During our trial, the e-scooters will use the same road space as bicycles and will not be allowed on the pavement or outside of the trial area,” said Michael Payne, cabinet member for highways and transport at Kent County Council. “This is in line with the guidelines that the government have indicated.”
In time, if the scheme proves successful, the e-scooters will be made available in a wider area for general public to access. This phased approach is similar to that being taken by Lime in Salford.
“Projects such as this encourage people to get out of their cars and can make a contribution to improving air quality,” said Ben Fitter-Harding, leader of Canterbury City Council. “We look forward to seeing the trial in operation and understanding the potential for such a scheme to be expanded across the city.”
There was no word in the official statement on pricing, whether the scooters will be docked or dockless on campus, or when the e-scooters will actually land on the streets (though we have asked), so all pilgrims (and students) would be advised to keep hold of their horses and ponies for now.
