An electric scooter trial hire scheme is to be launched by Hounslow Council.

The council is joining major global cities such as Paris, Chicago, and Rome to take part in a ground-breaking trial of electric of e-scooters coordinated by Transport for London (TfL) and London councils.

The government fast-tracked plans for trials as part of the national response to COVID-19.

Cllr Hanif Khan, Cabinet Member for Transport at Hounslow Council said: "We are delighted that Hounslow is taking part in this exciting new trial.

"It is evidence of our ambition, and our commitment to greening the borough and we are passionate about embracing innovative technology as part of our green recovery, to offer residents new forms of accessible travel and to create safer neighbourhoods with cleaner air.

"A London-wide e-scooter hire scheme will offer a flexible and sustainable option to do this, particularly for short journeys within the borough, many of which are currently made by car.

"By joining the trial from the outset, Hounslow can help shape the future landscape for e-scooters and ensure the schemes deliver the very best for London.

"We will be monitoring the trial closely and listening to residents' feedback so that we can ensure it works for everyone in our borough."

The Department for Transport (DfT) says the use of e-scooters on pavements will not be allowed, speeds will not exceed 15.5 mph, and a driver's licence will be required which means nobody under the age of 16 can rent one.

Councils will have the power to designate specific areas as 'no go' areas through use of cutting-edge geofencing technology.

Scooters will not be able to enter these areas, automatically coming to a safe stop.

Scooter speed will automatically reduce to 8mph in 'go slow' areas.

The council will review ride data and resident feedback to make alterations to the scheme and add new 'no go' or 'go slow' areas where necessary.

The use of privately-owned scooters on public roads or pavements will remain illegal during the trial, and police will be undertaking enforcement activity to deal with them.

The trial of e-scooters is part of the council's wider strategy to enable residents to use greener forms of transport, as set out in our Air Quality Action plan 2018-2023, offering alternatives to car trips to reduce our carbon emissions, improve local air quality, and reduce traffic congestion.