E-scooters divide opinion after four months in city

Hired e-scooters have been used more than 32,000 times on the streets of Leeds since the beginning of a trial in March, according to the city council. After four months of becoming accustomed to the new rented mode of transport, how do residents feel about them?

"I think they're quite fun, quite economical as well," says Ikram Alattar, who uses the e-scooters to join her brother on trips around the city.

Ikram adds that she would choose to use an e-scooter over the e-bikes that preceded them as they're "very easy to use".

The trial by Leeds City Council, LNER and transport company Beryl is an extension of the LNER Beryl Bike scheme, which has been running in the city since 2023.

"[E-scooters have] just got a few controls, limited speed limit as well," she says.

"They're quite small to get between people."

E-scooters can only legally be ridden on roads, cycle paths and in parks in the UK if they are rented as part of a government-backed scheme.

Privately-owned e-scooters can only be used on private land with the landowner's permission.

The rentals have been distributed throughout the existing Beryl parking bays that span from Richmond Hill through the city centre and up into Headingley.

The e-scooter trial is due to conclude in May 2028, with Tom, who lives in the city centre, calling them "incredibly convenient".

Stopping off to get some bakery snacks during his errands, he says he is making the most of the trial as he is a daily user of the e-scooters on his commute.

"They're faster than getting the bus," he says.

"If you do buy a pass they're cheaper than getting a bus.

"You can use them at any time of night as well when buses aren't running, it's pretty good."

Users can register for the scheme via the Beryl app, but must be over 18 with a valid full, provisional or supported international driving licence.

The trial aims to support the Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy, according to Leeds City Council.

This aims to transform the city into a place where using a car is no longer a necessity, the authority says, with an affordable zero carbon choice in how people travel.

"Based on feedback provided by e-scooter users, 49% of users choose an e-scooter over their usual mode of transport because they are more flexible or quicker for shorter journeys," a council spokesperson says.

But UK walking charity Living Streets has raised concerns around the risks they can pose to pedestrians.

Courtney McGrath, project coordinator, says: "Whilst we do understand they are a useful way for people to get from A to B, [people] have been spotted riding the e-scooters dangerously."

Speaking while unlocking an e-bike in City Square, Tyler Warren agrees with the charity.

"The bikes are definitely a helpful addition, not so much the scooters - I think they're too dangerous," he says.

"It's such a powerful engine on such a tiny vehicle and I don't think people are using them in the sense that is safe."

Since their introduction on 19 March, there have been 32,762 trips made on the LNER Beryl e-scooters.

On a bench in City Square, Jamal says he uses both the e-scooters and e-bikes but prefers the latter to commute to and from work.

"I'm sat at a desk all day everyday, so it's good to get some fitness in," he says.

He calls them "good for the environment" but should be "used properly", adding: "You see kids riding around on the pavements and it can be dangerous."

"Anything that makes walking and wheeling more intimidating to people can put them off using that option as a form of active travel," Courtney adds.

The Living Streets charity is also pushing for more investment into "pedestrian-first spaces" due to the physical and mental health benefits.

The council spokesperson added: "As part of the introduction of the trial, the council has engaged with disability and accessibility groups to listen to their concerns, outline some of the mitigations which were implemented from the outset and we will continue to monitor these.

"We encourage people to report dangerous behaviour and poor riding standards to Beryl through their app, by calling their control room on 020 3003 5044 or emailing support@beryl.cc."

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