The pan-London micromobility plan in preparation
Transport for London (TfL) and the London councils are considering the implementation of a pan-London micromobility scheme for electric bikes and electric scooters. This project aims to harmonize the design and rules of the schemes, strengthen controls, improve parking compliance, user behavior, and safety.
Launch planned for 2026
According to documents from Hounslow council shared on X (Twitter), the contract should become operational in early 2026. The contract proposed by TfL will cover both forms of micromobility with an “orientation towards electric bikes.” A mandatory parking approach will be implemented across London, with a city-wide fleet limitation.
The document indicates that TfL will learn from the current e-scooter trial and operations in boroughs, but a dedicated TfL team would manage the contract and operations, with a data solution to verify the data independently.
Current issues with operators
Currently, TfL’s e-scooter trial is operated by Voi and Lime. However, Voi recently stated that it might have to withdraw from the trial because it “cannot compete” with the capital’s rental electric bikes, which are not regulated, allowing companies to deploy as many bikes as they wish, where they wish.
Dott also blamed “the rapid and unregulated rise of electric bikes” for its decision to withdraw its electric scooters from London earlier this year. The operator had previously also withdrawn its electric bikes from the capital.
Combined support for this new plan
Henri Moissinac, General Manager, said: “London is the only place where you have two modes side by side – one regulated by TfL, scooters, and the other totally out of control, the electric bike.” He added that Dott would “100% support TfL in managing a combined scheme – both scooters and electric bikes, with the same scope and rules for all operators.”
A key condition of the new scheme would be that boroughs must introduce electric scooters in at least part of the borough. Hounslow claims that this would mean converting part of the existing electric bike locations to shared use with electric scooters. If the borough chooses not to comply, its existing electric bike scheme would become “nonviable” because “inter-borough trips would be prohibited due to operational constraints.”
An increased need for parking
A recent report commissioned by Lime calls for an increase in parking infrastructure in London. It recommends greater parking density in areas such as shopping centers, transport hubs, and major streets. The report identified more than 750 parking locations in 11 boroughs, which could offer additional parking capacity for up to 10,500 shared electric bikes.