Dorset | Posted on May 28th, 2026 | return to news

E-scooter trial could include Corfe Mullen

Dorset Council’s Place and Resources Overview Committee will be discussing a rental trial at its next meeting.

More e-scooters could be seen in Corfe Mullen and Upton in the near future.

Dorset Council’s Place and Resources Overview Committee meeting on 4 June will consider the introduction of a regulated e-scooter rental trial in those towns, as well as in Weymouth, Dorchester, Portland and Chickerell.

Dorset Council has been offered the chance to participate in a national government-supported e-scooter trial that could offer residents and visitors a new, flexible way to make short journeys.

Before a final decision is taken, councillors across all parties are being asked to give their views.
At this stage, councillors will review the proposal, consider the potential benefits and challenges, and provide feedback before any decision is taken by Cabinet at a later date.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet member for Place Services, said: “We are asking councillors to look at an e-scooter trial as it could offer many opportunities to help improve the environment and give residents more transport choice.

“Measures like e-scooters can really contribute to speeding up our efforts to become a carbon-neutral county and council, bringing forward our net zero targets by five years.

“As a council, we are aiming to reach net zero by 2035, and the entire county by 2045. By tackling climate change at its source, we can help pave the way for a more sustainable future.

“We want councillors to look carefully at whether a regulated e-scooter scheme could not only help us in our efforts to improve the county’s environment, but also be right for these towns.

“If a scheme went ahead, it would be designed to safely and responsibly support local journeys, reduce car use for short trips and give people more choice.”

Across England, regulated e-scooter trials are already operating in towns and cities, including neighbouring Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, where thousands of journeys have been made using rental scooters.

Rental e-scooters are only legal as part of government-approved trials and operate under strict controls. If approved, the Dorset proposal would include: speed limits, with lower speeds in busy areas; GPS-controlled “no-ride” zones; designated parking areas to reduce obstruction; and active operator monitoring, with penalties for misuse.

Riders would need a valid driving licence, and all scooters would be insured and maintained by the operator.

The report also sets out issues councillors will consider carefully, including safety, enforcement and the impact on disabled people. Concerns raised by disability groups are clearly acknowledged, alongside measures such as strict parking rules, defined riding areas and ongoing engagement.

It is proposed that an e-scooter trial in Corfe Mullen and Upton would be an extension of the Beryl Bike scheme already in place in those towns.

A third-party contractor would be sought for the other towns in the scheme.

Any decision on whether to proceed would be made by Cabinet at a later date, with final approval needed by the Department for Transport.

If the scheme was to go ahead, it would be trialled, closely monitored, and could be changed or withdrawn if needed.

People can read the full report on the Dorset Council website by searching for the Place and Resources Overview Committee.