Major Micromobility Operators Set to Snub TfL’s Next E-Scooter Trial

Major bike and micromobility operators are poised to sit out Transport for London’s next e-scooter rollout, raising fresh questions over the future of the capital’s long-running trial and the regulatory framework governing shared e-scooters.

TfL opened the bidding for the next phase of its e-scooter experiment last week, inviting operators to apply for contracts that would run until May 2028. However, City AM understands that several of the sector’s biggest players are unlikely to participate.

Forest, which operates thousands of shared electric bikes across London, is not expected to compete with existing trial operators Lime and Voi for the contract. The London-based firm has previously focused on pedal and electric bikes rather than scooters, amid concerns over regulatory uncertainty and the economics of e-scooter operations in the capital.

Bolt and Dott — both of which currently operate e-scooter schemes in cities including Bristol and Nottingham — are also unlikely, for now, to take part in TfL’s trial. Industry sources suggest the companies remain cautious about the capital’s tightly controlled operating model and the lack of clarity around the long-term legal status of e-scooters in the UK.

TfL’s e-scooter trial began five years ago as part of a nationwide government programme aimed at testing whether rental e-scooters could be safely integrated into urban transport networks. While the trials have expanded across several London boroughs, private e-scooters remain illegal on public roads and pavements, limiting the market to authorised rental schemes.

Micromobility firms have privately voiced frustration at what they see as slow progress towards permanent legislation, arguing that prolonged trials create uncertainty for investment and fleet expansion. Some operators also question whether the cost and complexity of complying with London-specific rules — including borough-by-borough permissions, parking requirements and fleet caps — make the city commercially viable compared with other UK and European markets.

TfL maintains that the trial has provided valuable data on safety, usage and travel behaviour, and says any future decisions will be guided by evidence and national legislation. A spokesperson previously said the authority remains “committed to exploring innovative and sustainable transport options” while ensuring safety for all road users.

With only a limited number of bidders expected, the next phase of the trial could see Lime and Voi further entrench their position in the capital — even as parts of the micromobility industry continue to question whether London’s approach is holding back wider adoption of e-scooters.