Bristol to Bath path opened to Dott e-scooters and e-bikes

The area covered by an official e-scooter and e-bike scheme has been increased to cover a popular pedestrian and cycle route.

The Bristol and Bath Railway Path between Bitton, Emersons Green, and Temple Meads rail station has been opened up to riders, along with Concorde Way to Ashley Down in Bristol.

Operator Dott has also expanded into Southdown, Odd Down and Combe Down in Bath, adding an extra 50 scooters and 30 new parking locations as part of one of the largest official trials in Europe.

Mayor of the West of England Helen Godwin said the move would give residents “better travel choices” but added “convenient travel for some should not inconvenience others”.

The e-scooter trial in the West was first run by Voi then Tier before Dott took over.

The latest move follows similar expansions in South Gloucestershire earlier this year and the start of 24-hour rentals.

The vehicles only work in areas covered by the official scheme.

Dott said that since the launch of a safety campaign in the summer, more than 11,000 fines for poor scooter and bike parking have been issued which has cut “poor parking” by half.

Iqbal Ahmed, from Dott, said it was committed to “support local mobility needs” but “always with respect for the safety and needs of both riders and non-riders alike”.

“The introduction of fines for poor parking has improved parking standards significantly,” said Ms Godwin.

“Coupled with easier ways for people to report issues and bans for users who engage in two-up riding, we’re working to strike a better balance for everyone.”

Riders must be 18 or over and have a driving licence or a provisional licence to use Dott vehicles.

Anyone riding them under the influence of alcohol or drugs risks losing their driving licence or being prosecuted.