HARLOW Council is set to agree a Department for Transport (DfT)-led e-scooter trial for Harlow allowing e-scooters which are part of the scheme to be used legally in the town.

A report about Harlow becoming a regulated DfT e-scooter trial area will be discussed by the council’s Cabinet next Wednesday (19 March 2025). The aim of this scheme would be to provide another safe, affordable and convenient way for commuters and key workers to travel in and around Harlow.

The trial is expected to run until at least May 2026. It has been suggested for adoption in Harlow by Essex County Council. It would see publicly available e-scooters appearing across the town for the public to use on a range of affordable prices or subscriptions.

The council says that ensuring the safety of those using the scooters, pedestrians and other road users will be an important consideration as part of the trial. The e-scooters would be regulated by a scheme operator, making use of vehicle tracking equipment to ensure they are being used properly and safely. These conditions would include making sure users are over 18, hold a provisional or full driving licence, and pass safety training that includes awareness of other highway users. 

Several other areas in Essex have been running trials, with Chelmsford, Colchester and Braintree all currently taking part. Whilst in general e-scooters are illegal for use in the UK, those being used in Harlow as part of the government trial would be permissible to use.

Councillor Alastair Gunn, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Garden Town and Planning, said:

“Following careful consideration, we are proposing that Harlow takes part in the e-scooter trial. If successful, it will offer residents another legal and more affordable way to travel around our town.

“Harlow benefits from already having a comprehensive cycle network that links up residential estates with the town centre, train station and employment areas. That makes us a good location to run an e-scooter trial.

“The recent £2 million upgrade to the cycle path between the town centre and the Pinnacles shows that investment is going into making these routes fit for purpose, with the council working hard to secure more investment into the network.

“There are legitimate concerns about the safety of e-scooters, both for those that use them and for pedestrians. These have been central to our thinking about whether to take part in the trial. They will be key to whether we stick with it. 

“Through being able to limit where and how fast these trial e-scooters can go, plus tough rules around who can use them and how, we believe these concerns can be met. However, we will be monitoring the trial continuously and have agreed an exit option if problems do come up that cannot be satisfactorily addressed. 

“Ultimately what matters is whether this trial gives Harlow residents a better way to get around town and to live their lives. Especially on the longer-term subscriptions, the e-scooters will be easily affordable for most people and even with speed restrictions, they may well be quicker and easier than driving particularly at peak times.

“By taking part in the trial, we’re aiming to give people that extra legal and affordable choice on how to travel.”

If approved by Cabinet next week, a project group made up of Essex County Council, Harlow Council and an e-scooter operator will be set up to investigate the potential for setting up and running the trial.