Agenda item

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member of Place Services.

(a)           That the commencement of the proposed e-scooter rental service be approved, comprising:

Weymouth, Dorchester, Portland and Chickerell, through the appointment of a competitively procured operator; and

Corfe Mullen and Upton, through an extension of the existing Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) e-scooter rental scheme.

(b)           That officers be authorised to co-produce geofencing arrangements with Ward Members and Town and Parish Councils, ensuring that local concerns and priorities are reflected in the scheme design, and to engage with the Department for Transport regarding the provision of appropriate warning signage to promote public awareness and safety.

Reason for the decision

The introduction of regulated e-scooter rental schemes supports Dorset Council’s adopted strategic objectives, including those set out in the Local Transport Plan, Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and Sustainable Transport Plan.

The Cabinet Member for Place Services set out the report and its recommendation. It presented an opportunity for Dorset Council to participate in the nationally recognised e-scooter trial, which sought to explore how micromobility could support and enhance the wider transport network. The trial would also provide a safe and regulated alternative to existing unlawful e-scooter use, expand travel options for residents and visitors, and contribute to the Council’s environmental and economic priorities.

He further advised that this proposal had also been considered and was supported by the Place and Resources Overview Committee on 6 July 2026.

It was proposed by Cllr J Andrews and seconded by Cllr N Ireland

Decision

(a)                    That the commencement of the proposed e-scooter rental service be approved, comprising:

Weymouth, Dorchester, Portland and Chickerell, through the appointment of a competitively procured operator; and

Corfe Mullen and Upton, through an extension of the existing Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) e-scooter rental scheme.

(b)                    That officers be authorised to co-produce geofencing arrangements with Ward Members and Town and Parish Councils, ensuring that local concerns and priorities are reflected in the scheme design, and to engage with the Department for Transport regarding the provision of appropriate warning signage to promote public awareness and safety.

Reason for the decision

The introduction of regulated e-scooter rental schemes supports Dorset Council’s adopted strategic objectives, including those set out in the Local Transport Plan, Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and Sustainable Transport Plan.