Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) has warned local authorities with e-scooter trials not to seek large financial contributions from operators to avoid threatening the viability of schemes.

The national shared transport charity has written to councils across the UK to urge them to consider putting in place profit-sharing models rather than taking a cut of overall revenues.

Many e-scooter trial schemes have been extended until May 2024 and several bike share schemes are going through or will be going through procurement.

The UK Government is currently working on plans to create a new light vehicle class to legalise the use of e-scooters on public roads, with the trials expected to provide important data to help shape future legislation and regulations.

CoMoUK stressed the need for good practice to ensure the procurement processes are high quality, fair and sustainable. 

Richard Dilks, Chief Executive, CoMoUK, said:
“We urge authorities to exercise caution in seeking financial contributions from operators, both as a matter of good public procurement practice and to avoid threatening the viability of schemes and operators.”