New trials of e-scooters will take place in both Nottingham and Derby over the coming months as more local authorities look to test their feasibility.

The trial in Nottingham will see a short term rental-pay-by-the-minute option available for users as well as a discounted prices for key workers.

From the end of the month users in the city will be able to hire e-scooters for either a month or a year with on-street rental available via an app produced by partner company Wind Mobility who will provide 200 scooters in total to the city.

Councillor Adele Williams, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Transport, said: “E-scooters will provide a greener travel option for people travelling in Nottingham. This has become especially important as we plan our recovery from COVID-19 and try to encourage people to travel in different ways while social distancing is in place.

“E-scooters offer the potential for convenient, clean and affordable travel, and to reduce journeys made by car to ease congestion and lower harmful emissions.”

Wind Mobility will also be operating a e-scooter scheme in Derby, with an announcement to be confirmed by Derby City Council soon.

“I am happy that Derby has been selected to run this government trial which means that e-scooters are a new alternative choice for green travel in our city,” said Councillor Matthew Holmes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transportation at Derby City Council.

“There’s no doubt that they offer a cheap and clean way to travel around Derby, improving not just the air quality in our city, but also the user’s physical and mental health at a time when that is more important than ever.”

The Wind Mobility fleet of e-scooters is being fitted with integrated helmets. Hand sanitiser will also be provided on each scooter, and safety risks reviewed regularly throughout the trial.