SLOUGH’S controversial e-scooter trial is to be paused later this month – but the bright orange e-scooters could make a comeback.

The council has announced it was unable to extend its contract with Neuron Mobility UK without opening it up to tender.

The trial is set to end on November 30, but the local authority said because the scheme is ‘very successful and popular with residents and commuters’ the e-scooters will only be removed for now and will be looking at the possibility of restarting the scheme.

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Councillor Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for transport and the local environment, said: “This is a chance to pause and evaluate the trial, whilst we undertake more work and preparation for an expected [Department for Transport] decision on permanent schemes once the national trials have completed.

“It has been great working with Neuron Mobility UK throughout this successful trial, and seeing our residents and commuters enjoy scooting around the borough. I look forward to seeing the transport team’s report at cabinet early next year.”

The scheme was introduced in Slough in October 2020 and over the past 26 months, riders have completed 630,000 miles and saved 65 tonnes of Co2, according to Neuron.

Since its introduction, residents have slammed the controversial trial, claiming badly parked e-scooters on the pavements have obstructed residents and have reported ‘dangerous’ driving from riders.

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Cormac Quinn, Neuron’s Regional Manager for United Kingdom: “We would like to thank Slough Borough Council and our thousands of loyal riders for their continued trust and support over the course of the trial. We will be communicating fully to our riders, reimbursing any outstanding passes or credits.”