CONTROVERSIAL e-scooters are to stay in Minehead for another 18 months following a public consultation exercise.

The Department for Transport (DfT) announced in the summer that trials of the electric scooters could be extended until May, 2024.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) held a month-long consultation to gather the views of the community before deciding to extend the trial in Minehead.

However, only slightly more than half of the people who responded (55 per cent) said they were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the e-scooters, while 45 per cent were ‘partly satisfied’ or ‘not satisfied’.

SWT said 364 people took part in the survey with two-thirds (69 per cent) of them local to Minehead and about half (53 per cent) had actually used the e-scooters.

The council’s climate change portfolio holder Cllr Dixie Darch said: “We are encouraged by the DfT’s announcement and the feedback received from our recent consultation, and delighted to be extending the trials in Minehead.

“Extending these trials will enable the DfT to obtain more accurate data with regards to safety and to establish best practice for shared micro mobility services.

“Trying out new environmentally friendly modes of transport is essential to meet our climate commitment for a carbon neutral district by 2030. E-scooters offer a clean, low carbon alternative to using fossil fuelled vehicles for shorter journeys.

“As well as reducing harmful emissions, e-scooters can help to reduce noise pollution and congestion on busy urban roads.”

However, the 15.5 mph electric scooters have drawn criticisms around their misuse, particularly by holidaymakers, and potential for accidents to happen.

Zipp Mobility, which operates the e-scooters, said anybody who witnessed their misuse should report it to the company, which was responsible for issuing warning notices and banning users.

Company chief executive Charlie Gleeson said: “We are delighted to be able to continue to contribute to Somerset West and Taunton’s ambitious climate action goals.

“This move is a clear recognition of the success of the trial to date and we look forward to improving on this over the next 18 months.”

Since launching in June, 2021, Minehead’s trial has seen nearly 30,000 rides by12,000-plus riders travelling more than 43,000 miles, preventing the equivalent of six tonnes of carbon emissions.

The scooters, which are geofenced to be used only in approved areas, operate seven days a week from 5 am to 10.30 pm, for users aged 16 or older with a provisional or full driving licence.

They can be unlocked for £1 and users are charged 15p per minute thereafter, using a Zipp Mobility app on their mobile phone.

It remains illegal to use privately owned e-scooters in public spaces