This is why people will be riding e-scooters round the streets of York

One hundred of the two-wheeled vehicles with small electric motors, which operate in more than 100 cities around the world, will be deployed in and around the University of York in the coming weeks.

City of York Council has announced a year-long e-scooter trial and selected leading operator TIER to run the technology. Renting an e-scooter in York will cost riders £1 to unlock the vehicle and 15p per minute travelled.

Discussions are taking place as to whether York Hospital will also be able to host the scheme as part of a year-long trial, which officials hope will contribute to cleaner air in York.

Electric scooters are freely available to buy in the UK online and in stores, and they cost anywhere from just over £100 to more than £1,000.

TIER scooters come with safety features including an integrated helmet, a large front wheel, dual suspension, a double kick-stand and dual drum brakes for stable riding on uneven surfaces and conditions.

Andy D’Agorne, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said: “This will provide a fantastic opportunity to explore how e-scooters might add to the mix of sustainable transport options, whilst helping to improve air quality and expand our electrical vehicle charging offer.

"The trial will also form part of the city’s Covid-19 response in terms of, for example, providing sustainable alternatives to support capacity on public transport across the city.

“We’re excited to approve the trial in York and to be working alongside TIER. Together we will ensure there are clear and effective channels of communication which are critically important to get early warning of any issues that need to be addressed, to assess the impact and to learn all the lessons from the trial.”

TIER UK General Manager Fred Jones said: “York is a very special place, steeped in 2,000 years of history, and we are very proud to be supporting the city as it looks to the future of urban transport.

“We believe that the e-scooter trials will bring major benefits to York residents, from cleaner air to reduced congestion, and crucially they can also help to get people moving again safely post-Covid.”

Pilot schemes for e-scooter use have already been launched in part of the Tees Valley.