E-SCOOTERS could soon be zipping through parts of Dorset as councillors consider plans for a government-backed rental trial in several towns.

The council’s place and resources overview committee will look at introducing regulated e-scooter schemes in Weymouth, Dorchester, Portland, Chickerell, Corfe Mullen and Upton next week.

Dorset Council said any scheme would be time-limited, tightly controlled and safety-focused, with measures including speed limits, GPS no-ride zones and designated parking areas.

Councillors will review the benefits and challenges and provide feedback before any decision is later taken by cabinet. The council would also need approval from the Department for Transport.

Supporters said the trial could help cut congestion, improve air quality and offer more travel options for short trips.

However, councillors are also being asked to weigh concerns around safety, enforcement and accessibility, particularly for disabled people.

Cabinet member for place services, Cllr Jon Andrews, said e-scooters could help Dorset move towards its climate goals while giving people “more transport choice”.

“Measures like e-scooters can really contribute to speeding up our efforts to become a carbon neutral county and council, bringing forward our net zero targets by five years,” he said.

“If a scheme went ahead, it would be designed to safely and responsibly support local journeys, reduce car use for short trips.”