Cambridgeshire e-scooter and bike trial area could be extended

Horningsea and Babraham could be included in an application to expand the trial area

An e-scooter trial could continue for another two years with new boundaries so users can travel further.

The mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said "sustainable travel is key" regarding decisions on altering the geography of an e-scooter trial.

The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has agreed the combined authority should consider applying to make the changes.

About 10 new areas could be considered under the proposals.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is allowing changes to trial areas and alteration requests need to be made before 5 April.

Anna Graham, transport programme manager at the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, said: "Since the start of the trial, 3,000,000 trips have been taken using Voi e-scooters or e-bikes.

"This is replacing 980,000 car trips and reducing CO2 emissions by 469 tonnes.

"The trial continues to demonstrate that e-scooters are providing an alternative for travel that continues to grow".

Last year, the DfT asked for the Cambridge e-scooter trial to be extended to 31 May 2026.

Anna Graham said 3,000,000 trips have been taken using Voi e-scooters or e-bikes in Cambridgeshire

This was to give planners time to build up information on usage, safety, environmental impacts and explore changing travel patterns since the pandemic.

Combined authority officers considered the proposal with partners, who all support the trial period being extended.

Cambridgeshire Police also supported the extension but said tighter controls were needed to regulate private e-scooter use.

The scheme may extend to Northstowe, Horningsea, Babraham, Cambridge University's Laundry Farm and sports facility, and Waterbeach if proposals are approved.

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Great Shelford, Grantchester, Teversham, Marleigh Development, and Fulbourn have also been touted.

The mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson, said: "Alongside reliable and affordable public transport, sustainable travel is a key priority for improving connectivity and enabling resilient communities.

"It's important that e-scooter safety continues to improve, but the fact that the trial may get another two years will please many people in Cambridge - and a possible extension to communities outside the city could be exciting news for many villagers."