Council staff scoot to work

Council employees will try out the scooters

Council engineers and domestic helps could soon be going to work on a mini electric scooter.

The tiny rechargeable vehicles are being tested by Wiltshire County Council to see if they are suitable for widespread use.

The scooters can be folded and carried onto a train or bus or loaded into a car boot.

They can cover up to 15 miles at speeds reaching 17mph after a five-hour recharge.

The scooters can reach 17mph

The venture is the latest move by the authority to find alternatives to car use.

It is part of the national TravelWise initiative, which aims to encourage environmentally-friendly transport.

TravelWise manager for Wiltshire Bill Prendergast will be using one of the scooters himself.

Other staff working for the council in Trowbridge will be testing them to see if they are suitable for a variety of jobs.

'Overcomes problems'

Mr Prendergast said: "It is like a fold-up bike and you can take it on the train or bus.

"In terms of going up hills, a lot of people say you cannot ride a bike in Britain because it is notoriously hilly in some areas.

"This overcomes the problem.

"If it does prove to be a realistic option and it works and I can say 'go for it' we could possibly have them as pool bikes or possible have them on the lease scheme."

Staff trials

They could be offered to a variety of staff who go out to jobs during the day.

The scooters are being imported from Italy by CV Leisure of Frome, Somerset.

They can be legally used on the road and are classed as a moped, although they are exempt from road tax.

The company says they can cover 750 miles for the equivalent cost of a gallon of petrol.

'Great future'

Talks are also under way with Bath City Council.

The company wants the scooters to be allowed into the city centre when it closed to all traffic exept buses, taxis and cycles.

Managing director Clive Vincent said: "We think electric vehicles have a great future."

The firm is campaigning for a special road category for electric vehicles.