Two new e-scooter trial areas have been unanimously approved for Dorset, including Corfe Mullen and Upton, as well as Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and Chickerell.
The trial in the eastern part of the county is expected to begin sooner, as the contract will be offered to Beryl Bikes, which already operates e-scooters in the neighbouring Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area.
In contrast, the south Dorset area contract will be put out to tender, making a later start likely. Technical barriers, such as geo-fencing, will be used to prevent e-scooters from being used in certain locations, including shopping centres.
Councillor Jon Andrews said he recognised concerns about safety and the risk of collisions with pedestrians, but believed the planned measures would help minimise these risks.
He also said the e-scooters could offer a greener alternative to car travel and might discourage the use of illegal e-scooters. Only licensed machines in the two Dorset trial areas can be used legally, and hirers must hold a valid driving licence.
The existing Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole scheme has already supported hundreds of thousands of trips and shown measurable carbon savings.
