A popular region in the South East could introduce electric scooters for hire as soon as this summer, with council cabinet members set to debate the proposals next week.
Brighton and Hove Council is expected to bring up to 400 e-scooters to the seaside city, distributed across 37 docking stations positioned primarily along the seafront and major transport routes.
Beryl, which already operates the city's bikeshare programme, would run the scheme if councillors give the green light.
Should the trial proceed, the council would become one of more than 50 locations across the country participating in similar programmes.
Privately owned e-scooters would continue to be banned from public roads and spaces under existing legislation.
As part of the potential launch, strict requirements would govern who can hire the vehicles, with users needing to be at least 17 years old and possess a minimum of a provisional driving licence.
The scooters would also feature GPS tracking technology designed to automatically prevent operation beyond the designated hire zone.
This geofencing system would specifically block riders from accessing certain popular areas, including the promenade and Undercliff Walk.
The council will discuss whether to bring in the e-scooter trial next week
|Beryl
Riders would be restricted to roads, cycle lanes and shared spaces, with pavement use strictly forbidden, with riders flouting rules risking having their accounts suspended or terminated entirely.
The vehicles would come equipped with front and rear lighting, registration plates and horns, while third-party public liability insurance would cover all rentals.
The scooters would be capped at 12.5mph, notably slower than the 15mph maximum permitted under national trial regulations.
During late-night hours between midnight and 5am on weekdays, a reduced speed limit of 6.5mph would automatically kick in.
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E-scooters can only be used in trial areas across the UK | TFLWeekend restrictions would go further still, with a complete curfew preventing any rentals between midnight and 5am on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Users reported for dangerous or anti-social behaviour would risk losing access to the service through account suspension.
Although wearing a helmet would not be legally mandated, the scheme would offer incentives to encourage riders to use protective headgear.
Councillor Trevor Muten said: "E-scooters would be a positive addition to Brighton and Hove; providing residents and visitors with a handy and affordable way to get around, reducing car use and improving the city's air quality."
He emphasised that safety remained the council's top priority following feedback from residents during consultation.
E-scooters are subject to speed limits in the UK
| PAHe noted that evidence suggested e-scooter use delivers mental and physical health benefits, with riders more inclined to combine trips with buses, trains or other shared transport options.
The council received authorisation from the Department for Transport to conduct the trial and sought public views on the scheme's features and locations in November 2025. Feedback gathered during that consultation directly shaped the safety measures and restrictions now being proposed.
"A highly regulated e-scooter scheme addresses many of the concerns raised during the public consultation and ensures our scheme has a culture of safety right from the start," Councillor Muten said.
The local authority will discuss the proposals at a cabinet meeting next week to decide whether the scheme will be launched.