Experimental E-scooter trial - Oxford city area

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Department for Transport has licenced in the Oxford area on a trial basis the use on the public highway of e-scooters being used as part of an approved rental scheme. Following local engagement, Oxfordshire County Council has decided to make the following experimental Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and all other enabling power. The effect of the order, which came into force on 21 May 2021 is to permit electrically powered E-Scooters to use roads and access areas permitted for pedal cycles.

Following a trial area in the Headington and Marston areas of Oxford to gain experience of the use and management of these approved e-scooters which started in February 2021, the trial has now been extended to the wider Oxford area.

UPDATE: a modification to the order came into force on 2 September 2021 and will remain in force for the remainder of the Experimental Order. The modification expanded the area of use to cover the Summertown and North Oxford areas, with the effect to enable E-scooters (in the same way as cycles) not to be restricted by access prohibitions for motor vehicles.

General Information:

1. E-Scooter is defined (in short) as a motor vehicle, electrically assisted, for use by one person, maximum speed of 15mph, speed controlled by hand with a default cut-off switch.
2. Used as part of a Government authorised trial rental scheme, for use by persons 17yrs and over with a current UK drivers licence. Insurance will be part of the hire arrangement.
3. Can be used on roads, designated cycle lanes, bus lanes and cycle tracks, and on shared use pavements i.e. where advisory cycle lanes are marked/signed to separate use from pedestrians. Not for use where pedestrians only are permitted e.g. normal roadside pavements and shopping malls etc.)
4. Where existing traffic signs prohibit use by motor vehicles but permit cycle access, E-Scooters will be regarded the same as pedal cycles

A document containing a number of 'Frequently Asked Questions' can be viewed here

The Experimental Order will operate for a maximum period of 18 months (subject to the DfT licence also being extended) and will be monitored with findings reported to the Council`s Transport Committee meeting after at least 6 months.

The Council will be considering in due course whether the provisions of the Experimental Order should be continued in force indefinitely. Any person may object to the making of the experimental Order for the purposes of such indefinite continuation within a period of 6 months** (a) beginning with the day on which the experimental Order comes into force or (b) if that Order is varied by any order made by the Council or modified by the Director for Communities/Infrastructure Delivery of the Council pursuant to Section 10(2) of the 1984 Act, beginning with the day on which the variation or modification comes into force

What happens next?

Please read the detailed information provided on this consultation, and take the time to complete the survey as your views and opinions matter. Your response should be completed and returned by Friday 04 March 2022.

Whilst we will endeavour to answer simple queries during the course of the consultation, any more complex questions/issues will be appraised and dealt with as part of consultation process.

The County Council will review the responses and if necessary (i.e. if objections are received) prepare a report to be presented to the Cabinet Member for Highway Management at a meeting scheduled for early in 2022. This will be public meeting at which members of the public may apply to speak. The agenda and reports meetings will be made available on the Oxfordshire County Council web site about a week before the meeting (please note that occasionally it is necessary to defer reports to a later meeting, and it is therefore advisable to check the agenda ahead of attending a meeting). The Forward Plan of decisions meetings can be viewed here.