Northampton e-scooter trial extended to May 2027 with renewed focus on safety and community concerns

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has confirmed that the Northampton e‑scooter trial will be extended until 2027.

Its aim is to ensure the continuation of a popular transport option while further improvements are introduced to enhance safety and address community concerns.

This follows a series of safety proposals approved by WNC’s former Cabinet in 2024 after substantial public feedback and scrutiny. These measures aimed to ensure the scheme remains both safe and sustainable for the thousands of people who use Voi e‑scooters as a convenient and affordable mode of travel across Northampton. 

Many feel key issues such as riding on pavements, tandem riding, and underage use have not been fully resolved. To address this, the Council will continue to work closely with Voi to assess what further work can be done to address these concerns.

These actions form part of a wider roadmap designed to ensure the scheme evolves in line with community expectations.

Public engagement carried out earlier in the trial demonstrated that many people rely on e‑scooters as a primary form of transport – for work, education, and essential journeys. 
Maintaining the scheme prevents disruption to these users and supports a more sustainable transport network for the town.

Cllr Richard Butler, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We know the e‑scooter scheme is used daily by many people as a reliable and affordable way of getting around Northampton.

“Extending the trial to 2027 ensures they can continue to travel safely and sustainably while we work with Voi to try and address the enduring concerns people have.

“Removing the scheme now, without a suitable alternative in place, could push some toward using illegal private e‑scooters, which would present far greater risks.

““Crucially, this extension comes with clear expectations. Voi will be held firmly to the commitments they have made to address safety concerns, including improved parking compliance, stronger enforcement against misuse, better rider education and closer working with the council and police.

“Continued operation of the scheme depends on demonstrable improvements that make our streets safer and ensure the scheme works for all road users, not just those riding the scooters.”