Coventry e-scooter trial paused after less than a week
There have been concerns about them being used on pavements
A trial of e-scooters in Coventry has been halted over safety concerns.
It only started less than a week ago - with 200 bikes stationed in the city.
The city council says too many are being used on the pavement.
The Government has amended legislation to legalise the use of e-scooters - under controlled conditions - as part of a rental scheme trial which rolled out in the city from Thursday last week.
The e-scooters have proved to be extremely popular, with around 5,000 rides being taken in the first few days of operation.
However, over the weekend there have been some incidents reported where e-scooters have been used on pavements where they are not permitted to be.
As a result the Council and Voi have taken the decision to pause the scheme.
There will now be a review of the first few days of the trial to identify ways in which it can restarted.
A Council spokesperson added:
“The trial has been introduced to identify the safest way that e-scooters can be used going forward so it’s right to pause the scheme if concerns are being raised.
The initial take-up has been encouraging but we need to ensure that the safety of all people using the city centre is protected and that the e-scooters are used in the proper way, henceour decision to pause the pilot until systems are improved".
A spokesperson for Voi said
“While we regret the pause to our service, we reiterate our desire and willingness to work with all local stakeholders to deliver a safe and successful trial that meets the council's objectives and confirms micromobility as a sustainable, safe and attractive mode for Coventry's citizens.
We look forward to resuming the service with enhanced measures in place to address the early observations from the trial”.
The trial which started at the same time in Birmingham is continuing.