Karmactive Team
Wandsworth has become the eleventh London borough to join the city’s e-scooter rental scheme, marking a significant expansion in sustainable transport options for South London residents.
The move adds 170 new parking spots across Wandsworth, connecting with existing e-scooter zones. Riders can now travel more easily between connected areas like Southwark, Lambeth, and Richmond upon Thames.
Five million trips on rental e-scooters since June 2021 show growing public acceptance of this transport option. More people are making it part of their regular travel routine, with repeat riders up by 27%.
Safety remains the key success story. Serious injuries occurred in just 0.0004% of all rides, with no deaths reported. The trial’s strict rules make a difference – rental scooters must have larger wheels, working lights, and cannot exceed 12.5 mph.
“The rental e-scooter trial has helped boost sustainable transport in our city,” says Will Norman, London’s Walking & Cycling Commissioner. “It has also revealed the significant safety difference between private and rental scooters.”
Most people use the scooters for quick trips, typically riding for 11 minutes to cover about 1.9 kilometers. These short journeys help fill the gap between walking distance and longer public transport routes.
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Jenny Yates, Wandsworth’s transport cabinet member, sees the trial as a practical test. “This will show if rental e-scooters can offer a safe alternative to car journeys. We’ll be monitoring closely and listening to residents’ feedback.”
The impact on car use is becoming clear. Seven percent of e-scooter trips replace what would have been car journeys. Parking compliance has proven successful, with 94% of riders following the rules and using designated bays.
Helen Sharp, who leads TfL’s e-scooter trial, emphasizes ongoing improvements. “We continue to put safety first and regularly review how the scheme works for both users and non-users.”
The trial now covers 300 square kilometers across London, with 1,300 parking bays available. It runs until September 2025, and riders must be 18 or older with a valid UK driving license.
Current participating areas include Camden, City of London, parts of Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, and Westminster.
This expansion shows how e-scooters are becoming part of London’s transport mix. With strong safety records and increasing usage, they’re proving their worth as a practical option for city travel.
