Manchester council develops plans for e-scooter trial in summer 2027

Manchester could launch an e-scooter trial in summer 2027, with the city council developing proposals following provisional approval from the Department for Transport.

No decision to proceed has been made. Summer 2027 would be the latest permitted start under the department’s requirements for new trials.

Council officers are assessing the benefits, risks and practical arrangements. The proposal would face further scrutiny before a decision.

Launching the scheme would depend on successful engagement with Greater Manchester Police, disability groups, councillors and other stakeholders. An operator would also need to be procured. The council says the service would operate commercially, without a cost to the council.

Salford’s experience

The council’s report says e-scooters could give residents and visitors a ‘popular zero-emission transport mode’ for journeys around Manchester.

Neighbouring Salford launched its trial in 2020 and has renewed it every two years. Lime operates scooters in Salford city centre and some suburbs. Riders hire through an app and must be at least 18, hold a provisional driving licence and complete an age-verification ID scan.

Salford deputy mayor Mike McCusker said riders had made more than 2.5 million journeys, covering over four million kilometres and replacing an estimated 600,000 car journeys.

He also acknowledged pavement riding and inconsiderate parking, saying Salford council was working with Lime to address them.

Salford Quays councillor Jonathan Moore reported in 2024 that children were racing scooters in car parks and disturbing residents. Lime tightened verification checks, but Moore told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that underage riding and noise remained problems.

Lime’s regional government relations lead Ed Ingram welcomed Manchester’s plans and said the company wanted to extend its service. Manchester council has not yet considered an operator for its proposed trial.