Transport for Greater Manchester E-Scooter Trial

Descriptions

Greater Manchester is building the Bee Network; an integrated transport network across Bus, Tram Active Travel and eventually rail, by 2028. Greater Manchester has a developing network of micromobility schemes, which have grown in a patchwork regulatory environment. Greater Manchester is at a critical juncture with regards to the provision of bike and e-scooter hire. The English Devolution Bill sets out new regulations for micromobility licensing, and with a framework due in the near future. Before this legislation comes into force, the Department for Transport has offered local authorities the opportunity to apply to run e-scooter trials in their areas up to 2028.

Greater Manchester operates a proprietary bike-hire service as part of the Bee Network. TfGM launched the GM Cycle Hire scheme, now known as Starling Bank Bikes, in 2021. The scheme is provided by the micromobility operator Beryl, and operates via a docked system, with controls over pricing, branding, and integration.

Salford City Council have a non-proprietary e-scooter trial, provided by Lime, in Salford. The operator takes responsibility for setting prices and branding through a concession. TfGM are in the process of understanding the current appetite from districts to launch e-scooter trials, through the latest Department for Transport call for new rental e-scooter trial areas, which are likely to be approved if they demonstrate innovation or learning opportunities.

Greater Manchester operates a proprietary bike-hire service as part of the Bee Network. TfGM launched the GM Cycle Hire scheme, now known as Starling Bank Bikes, in 2021. The scheme is provided by the micromobility operator Beryl, and operates via a docked system, with controls over pricing, branding, and integration. TfGM seek to understand more about current operators in the UK micromobility market and how they would approach an e-scooter scheme in Greater Manchester as part of these new trials, as well as future opportunities for micromobility more generally between now and 2028.

Respondents must be an accredited operator as approved by CoMoUK.

Engagement

Transport for Greater Manchester is looking to conduct an e-scooter trial on behalf of the 6 districts within the Greater Manchester area. This notice is to ready the market for an Request for Information/Expression of Interest which will be published in the next fortnight.