The move is part of the Wandsworth’s wider push to support sustainable, low-carbon travel alternatives and improve air quality.
Wandsworth has officially joined Transport for London’s (TfL) electric scooter rental trial, introducing shared e-scooters to local streets in partnership with two operators, Lime and Voi. The move is part of the borough’s wider push to support sustainable, low-carbon travel alternatives and improve air quality.
The e-scooter scheme is being run by TfL in collaboration with the two providers, and with the permission of Wandsworth Council. Unlike private e-scooters—which remain illegal for use on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes—this trial offers a legal and regulated way for people to try micromobility in the borough. Riders must begin and end their journeys at one of the 170 designated e-scooter parking bays that have been installed across Wandsworth. These parking bays are a key safety feature, aimed at avoiding street clutter and ensuring the scooters are stored in a safe and responsible manner.
A Safer and Regulated Way to Ride
Riders will only be able to access the scooters using official rental apps, and they must hold a valid driving licence to hire one. To promote safety, both Lime and Voi are offering free helmets to all users who request them. Helmets can be collected from Wandsworth Town Hall, and residents are encouraged to email Transportation@wandsworth.gov.uk to claim theirs.
Jenny Yates, Cabinet Member for Transport at Wandsworth Council, said the borough is committed to encouraging residents to embrace greener travel:
“We want to support people in Wandsworth to make more sustainable travel choices if they can, and this e-scooter trial will allow us to see if rental e-scooters can offer a safe and convenient alternative to car journeys. We’ll be monitoring the trial closely and listening to residents’ feedback to make sure it works for everyone in the borough.”
Safety remains central to the scheme. TfL has imposed strict criteria on participating operators, requiring all rental e-scooters to exceed national safety standards. This includes a maximum speed limit of 12.5mph, larger wheels for stability, and permanently illuminated front and rear lights. The trial also aligns with the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero strategy to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from road collisions.
Voi’s UK General Manager, James Bolton, echoed this focus on safety and community engagement:
“We’re 100% committed to running a responsible pilot that keeps pavements clear. Safety is Voi’s top priority—we’re committed to rider training, high-quality vehicles, and working with the community to create a scheme that works for all.”
Helping Wandsworth Reach Net-Zero by 2043
The pilot supports Wandsworth’s goal of becoming a net-zero borough by 2043. Local authorities are investing heavily in sustainable transport infrastructure—including improved cycling and walking routes, safer streets, and better public transport links—to provide viable alternatives to private car use. E-scooters, if proven effective, could help reduce short car journeys and alleviate congestion while also cutting carbon emissions.
Micromobility, a term that encompasses small, low-speed vehicles like bikes and scooters, is increasingly seen as essential in urban areas seeking to combat pollution and climate change. With the right oversight and public cooperation, shared e-scooters may become a regular fixture in the borough’s transport mix.
How to Get Involved and Provide Feedback
Wandsworth Council is encouraging residents to share their experiences and feedback as the trial progresses. Anyone with questions, comments or concerns is urged to contact the council’s Transportation team at Transportation@wandsworth.gov.uk. These insights will help shape future decisions about the potential long-term rollout of e-scooter hire in the borough.
In addition, reports about poor parking or misuse of e-scooters should be directed to the operators themselves:
Voi:
Phone: 0808 501 5724
Email: support@voi.com
Online: https://report.voi.com
Lime:
Phone: 0800 808 5223
Email: support@li.me
For more information on the city-wide pilot, residents can visit TfL’s e-scooter trial page.
As Wandsworth continues to explore bold ideas to support a greener, healthier borough, the e-scooter trial marks a promising step toward a cleaner transport future—offering residents a convenient new way to get around without contributing to pollution or congestion.
