A controversial electric scooter trial has been extended until the end of November - as the number of people hopping on the vehicles has increased fourfold.

The government-backed scheme in Canterbury - launched by Kent County Council and headed up by rental firm Bird - was due to end at the end of this month but will now run for an extra eight months.

It is the second time the trial, rolled out in November 2020, has been extended.

Originally due to last just one year, it was lengthened by six months in November 2021.

KCC says the new extension - announced this morning - will allow more data to be gathered and reported back to the Department for Transport (DfT) which is heading up 31 such pilots across the UK.

Cabinet member for highways and transport, David Brazier, said: “We welcome the opportunity to continue hosting this trial of electric scooters in parts of Canterbury.

“The economic and environmental benefits of electric micro-transport are well documented, but it is crucial we monitor the progress of this scheme to get a true understanding of how people use and interact with them.

“We look forward to continuing work with the DfT to understand if and how the use of these vehicles has a place in Canterbury and the wider county going forward.”

Meanwhile James Padden, General Manager UK & Ireland, Bird, said the firm has recently seen a huge uptick in demand in Canterbury.

“We can see an almost fourfold increase in rides compared with this time last year, demonstrating significant untapped demand from Canterbury residents for a convenient, clean and fun alternative to motor transport," he said.

“Our scooters are also especially popular before or after a train journey, showing that micromobility is fast becoming an integral part of the transport mix for the city.

“We applaud Kent County Council’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions in Canterbury and we continue to work closely with them to achieve our mission of making cities more liveable.”

The vehicles have proven a divisive addition to the city - with some praising their environmental credentials, while others have raised concerns over the risks they pose to pedestrians and road users. At times they have also been dumped across the city.

While the electric scooters are provided by Bird, KCC is responsible for hosting them on its network in the operational area and gathering the views of local people.

The trial permits hired Bird e scooters to be used within the authorised area, where they are allowed use the same road space as bicycles and are not permitted to travel on the pavement.

Meanwhile, it remains illegal to use privately owned e scooters in public spaces.

To report safety concerns about equipment owned and operated by Bird, email canterbury@bird.co or call 01484 509145.

Any issues reported through these means will be shared with KCC and in some circumstances with the police.

Safety concerns about electric scooters outside the trial should be reported directly to the police.

Full details of the operational area of the trial are available on KCC's website along with a feedback form.