Dorset councillors are being asked to give their views on proposals to introduce a regulated e‑scooter rental trial in some of the county’s towns.
Dorset Council has been offered the chance to participate in a national government-supported e-scooter trial that could offer residents and visitors a new, flexible way to make short journeys.
Before a final decision is taken, councillors across all parties are being asked to give their views.
A report going to Place and Resources Overview Committee on 4 June sets out how a time‑limited, tightly controlled trial could work in selected urban areas, including Weymouth, Dorchester, Portland, Chickerell, Corfe Mullen and Upton.
At this stage, councillors will review the proposal, consider the potential benefits and challenges, and provide feedback before any decision is taken by Cabinet at a later date.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: “We are asking councillors to look at an e-scooter trial as it could offer so many opportunities for helping to improve the environment and give residents more transport choice.
“Measures like e-scooters can really contribute to speeding up our efforts to become a carbon neutral county and council, bringing forward our net zero targets by 5 years.
“As a council we are aiming to reach net zero by 2035, and the entire county by 2045. By tackling climate change at its source, we can help pave the way for a more sustainable future.
“We want councillors to look carefully at whether a regulated e‑scooter scheme could not only help us in our efforts to improve the county’s environment but to also be right for these towns.
“If a scheme went ahead, it would be designed to safely and responsibly support local journeys, reduce car use for short trips and give people more choice.”
Exploring new ways to travel locally
Across England, regulated e‑scooter trials are already operating in towns and cities, including neighbouring Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, where thousands of journeys have been made using rental scooters.
If Dorset was to take part, a trial could:
- Give people more options for short journeys, especially where walking or public transport may be difficult
- Help residents who do not have access to a car
- Reduce car use for short trips, easing congestion and supporting cleaner air and lower carbon emissions
- Make it easier to reach town centres, jobs and local services
Any scheme would be limited to specific urban areas, chosen because journey lengths, population density and existing infrastructure make them most suitable.
A controlled, safety‑focused trial
Rental e‑scooters are only legal as part of government‑approved trials and operate under strict controls. If approved, the Dorset proposal would include:
- Speed limits, with lower speeds in busy areas
- GPS‑controlled “no‑ride” zones
- Designated parking areas to reduce obstruction
- Active operator monitoring, with penalties for misuse
Riders would need a valid driving licence, and all scooters would be insured and maintained by the operator.
Listening to concerns and next steps
The report also sets out issues councillors will consider carefully, including safety, enforcement and the impact on disabled people. Concerns raised by disability groups are clearly acknowledged, alongside measures such as strict parking rules, defined riding areas and ongoing engagement.
It is proposed that an e-scooter trial in Corfe Mullen and Upton would be an extension of the Beryl Bike scheme already in place in those towns.
A third-party contractor would be sought for the other towns in the scheme.
Any decision on whether to proceed would be made by Cabinet at a later date, with final approval needed by the Department for Transport.
If the scheme was to go-ahead it would be trialled, closely monitored, and could be changed or withdrawn if needed.
People can read the full report on the Dorset Council website by searching for Place and Resources Overview committee.
