E-scooter trial

An trial e-scooter hire programme has now started in Kensington and Chelsea with two pick-up/drop-off points in Golborne Ward. E-scooters are actually illegal except on private land, but the ones involved in this scheme are legal - but only on the road. They're barred from pavements.

Not just anyone can jump on one of these scooters - there are a variety of restrictions. You'll need to have at least a provisional driving licence and be aged a minimum of 18. You'll also need to take an e-learning safety course before your first ride. Plus you need to download an app from one of the three companies providing the scooters. You'll know which app you need from the branding on the scooters.

Once aboard the scooter, which costs £1 to unlock then 15p per minute, you can only travel in boroughs where the trial is in operation. So, for example you could cross from Kensington and Chelsea to Hammersmith and Fulham. However, you won't be able to get to Richmond, another borough that's in the scheme. That's because the only route there is via Hammersmith Bridge which, as everybody knows, is shut.

The scooters have a 12.5 mph speed limit built in and must be left in one of the designated parking places. There are two of those in Golborne Ward. One is at the corner of Portobello Road and Bonchurch Road the other is on Kensal Road.

You can find out more about the trial at the Transport for London website here.

And if you have any comments to make about the scheme, you can send an email to escooters@rbkc.gov.uk

Complete list of pick-up/drop-off points in Kensington and Chelsea:
Kensal Road, W10 5AW
Portobello Road W10 5SG
Kelfield Gardens W10 6JW
High Lever Road W10 6PA
Kensington Leisure Centre W11 4PQ
Walmer Road W11 4XG
Kensington Park Road W11 3BS
Notting Hill Gate W8 4QY
Kensington Town Hall W8 4NR
Gloucester Road SW7 4SF
South Kensington Station SW7 2NA
Sloane Square SW1W 8AQ
Kings Road/Royal Avenue SW3 4QF
Kings Road/Worlds End Place SW10 0LR