ELECTRIC scooters are set to be trialled across parts of Hampshire next year, it has been revealed.

Tranport bosses are planning to roll out e-scooter trials in Southampton, Winchester and Portsmouth from Spring 2021.

The news comes as the Department for Transport (DfT) has approved plans for a 12-month e-scooter trial in each of the three cities.

To hire an e-scooter residents must be over 16 and provide a valid UK Provisional Driving License.

Tranpsort bosses said e-scooters are governed under the same rules as bicycles and people are asked to wear their own bicycle helmet.

During the 12 months of the trial residents will be able to provide feedback on their experience to local councils and Solent Transport.

Civic chefs said the use of private e-scooters remains limited to private land while riding private e-scooters on the highway network is illegal.

Those who will hire an e-scooter next year as part of the trial will instead be asked to wear their bicycle helmet.

Conrad Haigh, head of Solent Transport said: “The Solent Future Transport Zone programme, funded by the DfT, is the beginning of a major change in transport provision, a rare opportunity to create a cohesive transport network across the Solent region, allowing people to travel more easily, in a more environmentally friendly way, while improving their health and wellbeing. The Solent Transport e-scooter trial is the first step in an exciting journey of change and improvement.”

It comes as e-scooters have already been trialled on the  Isle of Wight where  700 rides were completed in the first week of the trial.