E-SCOOTERS are not available in Taunton, Minehead and Yeovil, after a trial was halted suddenly.
The schemes, which see people able to rent e-scooters in the towns, have run since 2020 – but have now been halted by operator, Zipp Mobility.
Somerset Council, which has overseen the trials, said the suspension of the rentals was “due to an unexpected supplier issue”.
The trials were due to continue until the end of May 2026 and the council said Zipp Mobility is “reviewing the situation to consider next steps”.
“While the service is suspended the scooters are being removed from town centres and users have been messaged through push notifications via the user app,” a council spokesperson said.
Lead member for transport and digital, Councillor Richard Wilkins, added: “It’s disappointing the trials have to be suspended, but we’re really hopeful this can be resolved soon, we know Zipp Mobility are working hard on a solution.
“The council is committed to sustainable transport options as part of its net zero 2030 climate change objective and e-scooters were playing an important role in working towards this.”
Charlie Wilson, UK country manager for Zipp Mobility, said: “We are disappointed to have to suspend our service in Somerset due to an unforeseen issue.
“We are working hard on a solution and apologise for the inconvenience this has on our riders and the wider community in the interim.”
I heard they are not recyclable
Good I’m very pleased to see the ‘trials’ have been stopped! These scooters are dangerous particularly in an area of many elderly people such as Minehead. The scooters have been abandoned all over the town and have become an eye sore. Please take them away and don’t bring them back!
As above, pleased to see the trials have been stopped. They are a menace