Rental e-scooters and a bike share scheme will continue to be part of the Isle of Wight’s transport mix.
How the scheme began
Senior officer Michelle Love has approved recommendations in a council report to extend the micromobility contract for the Isle of Wight and continue to participate in Department for Transport (DfT) e-scooter rental trials.
Solent Transport, a partnership of Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council and the Isle of Wight Council, received £28.8 million from the DfT in March 2020.
The funding was for the Solent Future Transport Zone (FTZ), described by County Hall as a programme of ‘innovative’ transport trials across the Solent area.
Rental e-scooter and bike share schemes, known as micromobility, are key elements of the FTZ.
The Island has hosted a rental e-scooter trial since November 2020 and a bike share scheme since October 2022, according to the council.
From Beryl to Voi: a change of operator
Both were run by Beryl before Voi took over the contract in July 2024.
In July 2025, the DfT announced an extension of the rental e-scooter trials until May 2028 – the fifth time they have been extended.
Why the council says continuing the trial matters
A council report from transport strategy officer Kayleigh Richter said,
“The e-scooter rental trials are a great opportunity to demonstrate what a rural space and an Island setting could achieve with a new form of technology and new way of travelling across the Island.
“It is crucial that we continue to take part in these trials to help further inform future legislation and further operations.
“The trial also benefits the Island economically and offers more choice and options for residents and visitors to get around the Island.”
Fitting into the Island’s wider transport strategy
In addition, the scheme closely aligns with County Hall’s strategic aims including the Island Transport Plan, the report noted.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
