Forum Topic

E scooters trial in Wandsworth

Just received an email stating the above. In my view with all the Lime bikes littering up Putney WTF is TfL trialling these dangerous e scooters here?

Lucille Grant ● 50d46 Comments

My first bad encounter was around Covid time as we were walking along the pavement beside a very busy main road full of moving traffic.  So there was no 'whoosh' there was just a sudden sharp movement of air as it made a close overtake from behind and disappeared into the distance.  It gave me a huge fright and it was a long time before my heart rate returned to normal.

Philippa Bond ● 38d

We have them in Australia, and believe me they woosh up behind us aged pedestrians and frighten the life out of us.

Patrick D Barrs ● 38d

Interesting that these all seem to have cycling helmets attached to them.https://www.putneysw15.com/default.asp?section=community&link=https://neighbournet.com/server/common/ldrswandroad024.htm

Philippa Bond ● 38d

https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/advice-escooters/what-you-need-to-know-electric-bikes/

Philippa Bond ● 42d

https://www.li.me/en-gb/blog/meeting-londons-cycling-boom-lime-announces-20m-infrastructure-and-safety-planHowever it does takes effort to be made by everyone to improve the situation and embrace change to improve things.

Philippa Bond ● 42d

"prig"lol. What is this? A Famous Five novel?

Michael Brigo ● 42d

Mr Brigo'I'm going to make you a 'I can finally use Google' badge Ed, let me know where to post it."Oooh ! You are a caution".Pity you come across as a patronising and rather rude prig.

John Hawkes ● 42d

There is absolutely nothing to stop the government specifying what the legal requirements are for private scooters in the same as what they do for other motorised transport.By the way there is no minimum size wheel for bicycles or bikes!

Ed Robinson ● 42d

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd1j238142go.ampThese new scooters being trialled are supposed to be improved and safer and for instance have larger wheels - the ones with smaller wheels - most privately owned and illegal have proved to be more dangerous for their users on and off pavements.  I believe Will Norman is still Walking & Cycling Czar at TfL and a plea for more/better publicity re the danger and antisocial behaviour of CLOSE  PASSING pedestrians by cyclists and scooter users - and of cyclists and scooter users by motorists as well.

Philippa Bond ● 43d

Part of the decision for this trial is to compensate for the Mayor's poor cycling policies.There has been no expansion of the Santander cycle scheme nor is there one planned.A mayor controlled cycle scheme would allow much tighter control on their use (or misuse) whilst at the same time allowing those that wish use a bicycle and not a bus for example.We are in the situation where bicycles are almost guaranteed to get stolen.They have effectively privatised two wheel transport for many. We are now in the situation where it is illegal to use a private mode of transport but you can hire from a private company who aim is to make a profit.Not that they shouldn't make a profit if they are taking a risk and providing a service, especially with the lack of police enforcement, vandalism etc.The point is this should be a public service.Or at least allow private scooters as we do bicycles.If the revenue was collected from those flouting laws with impunity our council tax would be lower and our streets safer.

Ed Robinson ● 45d

I'm going to make you a 'I can finally use Google' badge Ed, let me know where to post it.

Michael Brigo ● 46d

Martine  I also worry about guide dogs. Once I was waiting by hat crossing by the little Waitrose and a guide dog was next to me. As soon as it heard the beep indicating it was safe to cross it set out, its companion behind it. If a non-stoping cyclist had been wizzing along both would have been hit.This morning I wanted to cross Gwendoline Ave on the sort of crossing that's by the nursery school. I waited for a cyclist to zoom past as her head was down and she wasn't looking at what was ahead of her. At least she was in the road

Elizabeth Balsom ● 46d

There is info in the Highway Code for everyone including pedestrians BUT unless everyone has to read it there is little point.  There are so many different media that people do or don't choose to get their news from nowadays that there seems to be an even greater chance of remaining ignorant (in the true sense of the word) to its content any publicity.  Only when there is an accident does the Highway Code and knowledge of it become questioned.There are some pavements that are marked as shared for cycles and pedestrians.  I wish that these were more clearly marked ON the actual pavement itself instead of just by the occasional small blue signs placed high up and often hidden by tree foliage.Close passing IS mentioned in the Highway Code.  This is particularly a problem when it is from behind and fast.  A bell may help to alert some pedestrians but may also send others into a state of shock. A bell should NOT be used with the intention and expectation that pedestrians can and will be fit and able enough to simply jump out of the way because many people - young and old - just won't be able to for one reason or another.Small children on scooters who are often not monitored and trained properly by their parents and carers and race ahead of them while looking backwards instead of looking where they are going are also a big danger to pedestrians, themselves and others. They often just seem to be launched through park gates on their own and the risks of driveways and reversing cars for children are enormous on the way to and from the parks. I believe the Highway Code says that drivers should reverse into their driveways so that they can drive forwards out.  I don't have a drive but have seen some close calls with people crossing roads and drivers suddenly reversing without looking/looking well enough. A wall of large pedestrians three abreast nattering to each other or looking at phones or pushing buggies fast can also be a problem.  We've found it better and safer to just stop and stand in the middle of the pavement facing them so that they have to take the avoiding action.  Especially beware of  being pushed off the edge of a narrow pavement onto the raised bumps on the ramp down to a zebra crossing!So it isn't just bikes and scooters which are being illegally ridden on the pavement or being ridden through the parks at speed that are a problem!  More publicity is needed so that those riders take the courses that are available and become more confident of riding and more considerate of the often less able users of the pavements!Sadly there most definitely seems to be a lot less consideration for others generally with everybody hurrying to do everything and go everywhere in as little time as possible.  Slow and steady wins the race!

Philippa Bond ● 46d

Ms Balson'It's OK if you're a fitness trainer, possessed of all your faculties'.Is there any evidence for this claim ? 😉

John Hawkes ● 46d

Wow!!  They are learning all the time!How many lessons do you think they will need before they feel confident?  Miaow??????

Ivonne Holliday ● 46d

Michael B there is no date of publication on the link you supplied.TFL page dated Monday says that it may be extended beyond the DoT fourth extension end date it would seem!Will we see a fifth extension by the DoT? - Probably!This is dated Monday the 12th of May 2025."The London trial is contracted to run until 25 September 2025 with the possibility of extensions of up to one year."https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2025/may/tfl-publishes-new-data-on-london-s-e-scooter-rental-trial-as-wandsworth-joins-to-cover-even-more-of-the-capitalFrom the Department of Transport"TimescalesThe original deadline for the end of the trials was 30 November 2021, but trials have been extended 4 times:"irst to March 2022 to allow time for gathering evidence following a slower than expected start to trials during the COVID-19 pandemicsecond to November 2022 after we issued updated guidance in February 2022 designed to enhance existing safety measuresthird to 31 May 2024, which will allow us to reflect on the further analysis or evidence that may be needed and would be beneficialfourth to May 2026, which will enable us to build on current learning across areas including usage, safety, and environmental impacts, and to explore changing travel patterns since the coronavirus pandemic and as e-scooters become more embedded in public lifehttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/e-scooter-trials-guidance-for-local-areas-and-rental-operators/e-scooter-trials-guidance-for-local-areas-and-rental-operators

Ed Robinson ● 46d

But that's fundamentally the problem. If there was police enforcement then less people would be riding/scooting illegally.

Michael Brigo ● 46d

Elizabeth, you have my sympathy. I have reasonable hearing but I still don’t hear the bikes until they are right by me.   I was on the wide pavement by Little Waitrose E.Putney and a  girl on an e-bike had plenty of room but still chose to cycle up behind me at speed. But even worse is if you are walking on narrow pavement.  One step to the right/left at the wrong moment and you could be hit.

Martine Guy ● 47d

Well I just couldn't help myself, yesterday I was coming back from Sainsbury's started crossing, a lady on a bike with the carriage at the front continued cycling, so I stood in front of her so she had to stop. I said you've gone through a red light, she replied I had to a bus was behind me. The bus stopped at the lights so don't know what she was on about. Also everybody in the coffee shop could see her.

Barbara Stevens ● 47d

Me too, Martine.  I'm scared on pavements because of cyclists. I'm deaf, so don't hear them coming up behind. As for Mr Brigo's comment that I posted about e bikes not scooters or whatever they are: both are a menace.It's OK if you're a fitness trainer, possessed of all your faculties.

Elizabeth Balsom ● 47d

I agree with you, Lucille.  I am a fed up pedestrian.  Wish we could reclaim the pavements.

Martine Guy ● 47d

Clearly you havent read the thread (again) otherwise it would be clear

Michael Brigo ● 47d

Mr Brigo'Yet again I am forced to be your Google assistant I see. When will you ever have the gumption to look for something yourself?'Would you be kind enough to make it clear by naming them who it is you are actually insulting so that fewer of us are left feeling crushed by your rapier-like wit ?Thanks in advance.

John Hawkes ● 47d

Ask the police to enforce the law, Mr Brigo? You are definitely having a laugh.

Lucille Grant ● 47d

One zoomed past us near Putney Arts centre Upper Richmond Road this morning. A lady on a cycle then did the same on our way back along the same stretch of pavement. She had the grace to look ashamed as I fixed her with my death stare.

Lucille Grant ● 47d

https://www.london.gov.uk/talk-london/topics/transport/london-rental-e-scooter-trial/updates/1132#

Philippa Bond ● 47d

You are talking about an issue with e-bikes. This thread is about e-scooters. If there's an issue with them being on the pavement (illegal) not being a clearly marked, registered scooter (also illegal) I would suggest you speak to your local police rep and ask them to start enforcing the law.

Michael Brigo ● 47d

Yet again I am forced to be your Google assistant I see. When will you ever have the gumption to look for something yourself?"no published end date"https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/electric-scooter-rental-trial#on-this-page-2"This is in line with Department for Transport national guidance that allows e-scooter trials across the UK to run until 31 May 2026."

Michael Brigo ● 47d

Mr Brigo'Anyone riding a different one, call the police'.Then just don't hold your breath !

John Hawkes ● 47d

Mr Ixer'one needs a driving license to hire them'.Who will enforce this ?From my perception of the profile of even some car drivers, I wonder how many have passed a driving test, have proper insurance and are in a taxed vehicle.And who is checking up on and prosecuting them ?

John Hawkes ● 47d

All too often several e-bikes are dumped outside the newsagent at the corner of Parkfields and Upper Richmond Rd. I have to negotiate my way through/around them to get into the newsagent. As Ms Grant comments this presents difficulties for people with sight and/or mobility problems. I wonder if this trial will examine this.Of course this site is just one of many that pedestrians encounter, sometimes having to walk into the gutter to get round them.As for skipping lights, riding through pedestrian crossings....

Elizabeth Balsom ● 47d

Ms Grant'WTF is TfL trialling these dangerous e scooters here?'There is obviously a great need for e-scooters.My wife has just returned from Southside where she was almost run over by an e-scooterist riding out of Greggs and thence into Garrett Lane.Obviously desperate for a doughnut.Let's not kid ourselves that the availability of an e-scooter will deter people from driving their car.In the main they will be used often on the pavement by youths/yobs.

John Hawkes ● 47d

"IT'S A TRIAL IN WANDSWORTH""Wandsworth has become the 11th council to join TfL’s e-scooter rental trial, which has been running for nearly four years."Just as well we are not on jury service!So a trial you say with no published end date that has been running for four years!https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/news-may-2025/e-scooter-trial-comes-to-wandsworth/

Ed Robinson ● 47d

IT'S A TRIAL IN WANDSWORTHNo idea what the comment about the Greens or XR means, sorting the enforcement of actual laws is a job for the mayor and the police.

Michael Brigo ● 48d

It's not a trial. They have them in Richmond for years.The Mayor is under pressure to modernise his transport too.I was in one country this year that had scooters for hire with Helmets attached and also £500 fine for riding in a prohibited area. The fine was relevant to bikes too and many people use their own private scooters.It was rather a small place with low crime I should add.The problem we have is that there is no effectively policing.Half a dozen Police officers were marking bikes at Putney Leisure Centre while yards away cyclists ignored the pedestrian crossing.It got worse as I walked to Putney - a new Mercedes accelerated up Putney High St across the Putney Bridge Road crossing from 0 to probably over 40mph to beat the lights. Anyone crossing would have been probably killed. But not to worry it was a ULEZ compliant vehicle!It's very difficult to be green in a high crime city & country.The two just do not go - something the Greens and the XR supporters do not accept.Instead of being a positive this will be a negative for many pedestrians.

Ed Robinson ● 48d

It is a trial in Wandsworth but not in other London boroughs.....

Ivonne Holliday ● 49d

It's a *trial*

Michael Brigo ● 49d

Michael B,I think your post is a truly unfair.Let us just say that people moan based on bitter experience, not as a chosen amateur melodrama. Before saying that these scooters will help to reduce traffic, it would be interesting to see statistics that substantiate this.  For one, do all scooter riders own a car?

Ivonne Holliday ● 50d

That's a policing problem as you say.

Michael Brigo ● 50d

All good in theory; one needs a driving license to hire them and if one's breaching road laws it's possible to gain points on your licence. However, the policing on London's roads seems fairly minimal - many drivers don't obey the law at the Disraeli Road zebra crossing and drive across while people are crossing, or mopeds overtake within the zigzag lines. A police person positioned there could issue lots of tickets!

Michael Ixer ● 50d

These test scooters are the ONLY legal scooters allowed on Wandsworth streets and you can see from the photo they are quite distinctive. Anyone riding a different one, call the police

Michael Brigo ● 50d

It quite clearly says they can only be collected and deposited from marked bays and that they can only be legally ridden on road - not the pavements.They even have registration markings (which the anti-cycle lobby has been calling for) so if the rules are broken you can report them.Why not let them run a trial and see what happens? rather than immediately being so negative.

Michael Brigo ● 50d

They go so fast, how can a disabled person get out of their way.

Barbara Stevens ● 50d

Guess you don't suffer any disabilities Mr Brigo. This trial won't reduce traffic just as the Lime Bikes haven't. They are dumped just anywhere and cause problems for people who can't pass by on narrow pavements. Electric scooters are silent I'm guessing - for those of us who suffer from loss of hearing these things are lethal. Hope that helps your (lack of) understanding.

Lucille Grant ● 50d

People moaning about traffic: - nearly everyonePeople moaning about a trial to help reduce traffic - nearly everyone.

Michael Brigo ● 50d

There are too many of the bikes, it's stupid, they continually go past traffic lights and go the wrong way down the road. A girl was riding a bike and her boyfriend was continually looking behind to see if she was OK as she was wobbling all over the place.

Barbara Stevens ● 50d