An e-scooter rental scheme could soon be introduced across several parts of the Dorset Council area.
Councillors are expected to include Corfe Mullen and Upton within the existing BCP Beryl Bikes scheme, while advertising for a separate contractor to cover Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester, Chickerell and surrounding areas.
The proposed service would use geo-fencing to prevent scooters entering restricted places, including shopping centres, while users would need a valid driving licence and machines would remain limited to defined areas.
A report says the regulated scheme would offer a “controlled and lawful alternative” to illegal private e-scooter use, while supporting lower carbon travel, access to employment and services, and fewer short car journeys.
It acknowledges concerns around safety, equality and enforcement, but says evidence from national trials and neighbouring authorities shows well-designed schemes can increase transport choice and reduce emissions for local journeys.
The BCP scheme, operating since 2023, has supported hundreds of thousands of trips and is described as among the strongest performing trial areas nationally, with controls including geo-fencing, maintenance and governance.
Dorset Council’s Cabinet is expected to consider approval on Tuesday 28, while the current national e-scooter trials are due to continue until May 2028 and could be extended further by ministers.
