A 12-month trial of e-scooter rentals in London will begin in June, TfL has today confirmed.

The boroughs of Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Richmond upon Thames and Kensington and Chelsea, as well as Canary Wharf and the City of London, will be participating in the trial which begins on June 7.

The trial is part of an attempt to encourage sustainable, active forms of transport and prevent a car-led recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “We want to ensure a green, sustainable recovery from coronavirus, and e-scooters are an alternative to cars that could help with this.

“The safety of those using e-scooters, as well as other road users and pedestrians, is absolutely paramount, so it’s important that they are trialled in this rigorous way to ensure high standards. We look forward to exploring the role that e-scooters could play in London’s future.”

Operators Lime, TIER and Dott have been selected to take part in the trial and each will set their own rental prices.

Between 60 and 150 e-scooters will be available to rent in each area that is participating in the trial, each of which will have a maximum speed of 12.5 miles per hour as well as several safety features.

E-scooters will be restricted to cycle lanes and roads as it is illegal in the UK to ride them on footpaths.

Londoners will be encouraged to only use rental e-scooters as privately owned e-scooters remain banned on public roads.