E-scooter trial

An e-scooter trial in parts of Salford is proving to be a success, with around 1,500 trips being taken every day.

The Department for Transport trial, run by Lime Scooters and supported by Salford City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and the University of Salford is operating between the university, Salford Quays and up to the boundary with Manchester, as well as parts of Pendleton to Salford Royal Hospital.

The trial began in October 2020 and so far around 850,000 trips have been made, with a typical distance of 1.2 miles. Lime Scooters, who are the world’s leading micro mobility company and provide e-scooters in 125 cities around the world, are fully responsible for the implementation and operating costs.

The e-scooters can be ridden the same as a pedal cycle and can use bike lanes and shared footways where cycling is permitted but are not allowed on footways or in other pedestrian areas, unless there is signage indicating it can be used by pedal cycles.

E-scooters can be found and parked in specific marked parking bays, these can be located by downloading the Lime App. To start a ride, once you have downloaded the Lime App, scan the QR code on the handlebars to begin a ride. Once complete you must park it responsibly in a designated parking zone and take a photo to confirm the end of the ride. Each ride costs £1 to unlock and 15p per minute to use, discounts are available for job seekers, students and some employment sectors, please contact Lime directly for more information.

It remains illegal to use an e-scooter privately but the government has fast-tracked permission for the trials as part of the national response to the pandemic.

Anyone who is over 18 and holds a provisional driving license can hire a scooter.

The trial has been extended to 31 May 2024.

For information on the trial and details of how to use the scooters and to download the app please visit the Lime website for more details.