What do people think of e-scooters in Welsh cities?

Getty Images Red electric scooters parked in a line on the pavement in Bristol, EnglandGetty Images
E-scooters have been a popular mode of transport in Bristol since 2020

The two largest Welsh cities have voiced interest in giving a trial to e-scooters.

Cardiff and Swansea councils both said it would give them "the opportunity to explore" e-scooters to replace the Nextbike scheme, which was cancelled in Cardiff after bikes were stolen and vandalised.

If successful, the Welsh cities would follow in the footsteps of Bristol and Bath, where e-scooters have been available since 2020.

Swansea council said it was "very early days", but the idea brought a mixed response on the streets of Cardiff.

Should e-scooters come to Welsh cities?

Helen Chandrinos, 59, said: "I brought my grandchild to Cardiff and walking up and down with e-scooters going back and forth really fast was very dangerous.

"On the weekends when it's busy and they weave in and out, it is really hazardous. It would put me off coming into Cardiff."

Her husband, John, 53, said: "Just look what happened to the [Nextbikes]. They ended up either in the river or stolen and the same thing is going to happen [with e-scooters]".

John and Helen Chandrinos smiling at the camera on a high street in Cardiff
In Cardiff, John and Helen Chandrinos described e-scooters as "very dangerous"

Students Hassan and Ali, both 18, didn't see any disadvantages to e-scooters being introduced to Welsh cities.

Ali said: "It would be good for the environment, and it's helpful as a student. There's not many buses and we're usually late to classes, so it would help to get around quickly."

Students Hassan and Ali smiling at the camera holding a fluffy model of 
 a cow
Hassan and Ali say that as students, electric scooters would help them to get around

Gabriella Lake, 32, from London, said she has seen e-scooters being used for phone thefts, which are increasingly common in London and big cities.

"I steer clear of certain areas [in London] where I know e-scooters are popular. So if they came to Cardiff I would certainly be more aware, so it could potentially have a negative effect when visiting."

Gabriella Lake, in a coat, hat and glasses looking at the camera
"I steer clear of certain areas [in London] where I know e-scooters are popular," says Gabriella Lake