Salford's e-scooter trial extended for two years

The scooters have been in operation since 2020

E-scooters will continue to zip around parts of Salford for another two years after the council agreed to extend a trial scheme.

Operated by Lime, the scooters have been available in the city since October 2020.

Since then, nearly one million journeys have been made and the scheme will now be extended to May 2026.

It comes despite questions being raised about their safety at a council meeting on Monday.

Councillor Barbara Bentham said there had been worries from fire and rescue services about the batteries used to power the scooters.

But Salford council officer Lee Evans said there had not been any incidents involving batteries.

Seated scooters planned

The trial permits the scooters to be used anywhere in the city but the town hall has limited usage to an area between the University of Salford, Salford Quays and up to the boundary with Manchester City Council, as well as parts of Pendleton to Salford Royal Hospital.

Lime is also planning to introduce new e-scooters in Salford where riders can sit down, to "open up this mode of travel to more people."

Since its launch, there have been "relatively low levels of incidents" according to a report, with three minor injuries in total.

The trial extension will see different operators given the chance to put forward their case for running the scheme.

Council and Transport for Greater Manchester officers will make the final choice of the e-scooter provider.