Yahoo News More than 275 parking racks installed across Nottingham ahead of e-scooter return
Hundreds of parking racks for bikes and e-scooters are to be installed across Nottingham within weeks. This comes as the city prepares for the return of the e-scooters, which have proved to be a popular mode of transport as more than 130,000 rides have been taken across the city since April 2023.
The new racks are funded through the Transforming Cities fund, through which has supported projects such as the new play area by the Central Library and the new cross-city cycle route around the city centre. So far, 140 racks have been installed out of more than 275, aiming to improve parking of the vehicles.
Locations for the racks have been prioritised based on areas where there is high usage of the e-bikes and e-scooters, the current parking arrangements aren’t working and there is anti-social behaviour, or there are good connections with the local transport network. Users are required to park the e-bikes and e-scooters at several designated parking bays around the city.
The e-bikes cost £1 to unlock and then 17p per minute to ride. If users would like to use the e-bikes for longer journeys, Lime offers ride passes such as 30 minutes for £2.99 or 60 minutes for £5.99.
E-scooters will be available to use again in the summer. More than 3.1 million rides have been made since the e-scooter trial began in Nottingham in 2020, and more than 4.5 million miles have been travelled. The e-scooter trial is due to end in May 2026.
Nottingham City Council's Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport and Planning, Councillor Angela Kandola, said: "It’s great that we’re able to use the Transforming Cities fund to install 275 parking racks to provide a safer environment for all pavement users and easier access for riders. By making it easier for users to park, we hope that more people will be encouraged to use an e-bike and e-scooter for short journeys around Nottingham.
"This will help to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution and improve public health." Alice Pleasant, Public Affairs Manager at Lime said: "One year since launching our e-bikes in Nottingham, and we are delighted to see locals truly embrace shared, carbon-free transport as a means for everything from commuting, socialising with friends and running errands.
"We believe that the introduction of 275 parking racks will not only encourage more people to try alternative transport options, but improve safety for local residents and riders. We are continuing to work closely with Nottingham City Council to ensure the smooth implementation of parking racks and we look forward to seeing the future of active travel in the city."
It had been confirmed the e-scooters would make a return after the previous operator of the devices, Superpedestrian, went into liquidation, prompting the city council to look to appoint a new operator.
