Northern Ireland urged to push ahead with shared e-scooter trials

Welcome to Net Zero News, where we bring you the latest developments driving the UK’s transition to a low-carbon, connected future. Calls are growing for Northern Ireland to accelerate trials of shared e-scooters, amid warnings that the region risks falling behind the rest of the UK in adopting cleaner, smarter transport solutions.

The appeal comes from Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), the national charity for shared transport in its official response to the consultation on Northern Ireland’s forthcoming Transport Strategy 2035. CoMoUK says urgent action is needed to unlock the potential of shared mobility schemes such as e-scooters, e-bikes, and bike shares, which can reduce car dependency, lower emissions, and support the country’s net zero goals.

While shared e-scooter trials have been running in England since 2020, and similar schemes are progressing in Scotland and Wales, Northern Ireland has yet to launch its own pilot. CoMoUK warns that the country now has “catching up to do” if it hopes to match the pace of progress elsewhere in the UK.

According to the charity, more than 60 million trips have already been made through shared e-scooter schemes in England as of March 2025, a clear sign of growing public appetite for low-emission transport options.

Currently, it remains illegal to ride privately owned e-scooters on UK public roads, meaning access is limited to regulated shared schemes. CoMoUK argues that these initiatives, alongside shared e-bikes, offer affordable, low-carbon alternatives to private car ownership while complementing public transport and active travel.

The organisation has urged the Department for Infrastructure to take decisive steps in supporting shared micromobility including expanding Belfast’s existing bike share network and introducing e-scooter trials across Northern Irish cities. It also encourages ministers to simplify the process for communities to establish their own local bike share programmes and to provide clear regulations that enable safe, effective operation in partnership with councils.

“Northern Ireland has a real opportunity to embrace the benefits of shared transport, but it needs to act quickly to avoid lagging further behind other parts of the UK,” said Richard Dilks, Chief Executive of CoMoUK.

“Schemes such as shared e-scooters and e-bikes are increasingly popular and have been transformative elsewhere, helping to cut emissions, reduce congestion, and give people more sustainable ways to travel. By launching trials and expanding bike share schemes, Northern Ireland can become part of this exciting transition rather than watching from the sidelines.”

The Department for Infrastructure’s draft Transport Strategy 2035 sets out a vision for a “cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive” network that meets future travel demand through sustainability, innovation, and accessibility.

In its submission, CoMoUK also highlights the potential of mobility hubs centralised locations combining multiple transport options and community facilities to make car-free travel more convenient. These hubs can integrate e-bikes, e-scooters, car clubs, and public transport, helping to reclaim urban space from private cars and reduce carbon emissions.

CoMoUK’s response concludes that Northern Ireland has “great potential” not just to catch up, but to lead the way in shared mobility and sustainable transport, provided that strategic action is taken now.