E-scooters will remain on the streets of High Wycombe until at least 2028, while they are set to be scrapped in Princes Risborough.

The deputy leader and cabinet member for transport, Cllr Thomas Broom, agreed to continue the e-scooter trial schemes in Aylesbury and High Wycombe until May 31, 2028.

The Princes Risborough trial will be discontinued due to a lack of demand, which the council said made the scheme “unviable.”

The decision also approves an extension of the council’s current contract with Voi through the use of a waiver.

A report prepared for the authority recommended extending the Wycombe and Aylesbury schemes for a further two years, following the Government’s decision to prolong the national e-scooter trial programme to May 2028.

The Princes Risborough scheme, however, was described as financially unviable, having attracted limited demand since its introduction.

The approval means the council will continue its partnership with the current operator, Voi, by extending the existing contract rather than running a new procurement exercise.

Officials argue that this approach would avoid a gap in service when the current agreement expires in May 2026 and minimise administrative costs.

The report states that while Aylesbury and High Wycombe have demonstrated sufficient levels of use, Princes Risborough has consistently underperformed, with only ten scooters in operation and low ridership throughout the trial period.

The council says the trial operates at no capital cost to the authority, with all scooters, charging and maintenance funded by the operator.

A modest profit-sharing arrangement is in place, designed to offset the limited staff time required to oversee the scheme.

Safety controls remain in force, including speed limits, geofencing in pedestrian areas and restricted hours of operation.

Alternative options, included tendering for a new operator, expanding the scheme to other towns or reintroducing an e-bike hire programme, were considered but rejected.

The report explains that e-scooters remain legally uncertain and that an earlier e-bike scheme failed due to vandalism and theft.

Officials report no recent incidents or complaints linked to the trial, and stress that privately owned e-scooters remain illegal on public roads and pavements.

However, the scheme has drawn criticism from some residents in High Wycombe. Locals have complained that poorly parked rental scooters have become a “constant problem”, at times forcing pedestrians into the road.

Concerns have been raised in particular at the junction of Hatters Lane and Windrush Drive, where residents say pavements have been obstructed.

A Voi spokesperson said: in response they understood how “frustrating” inconsiderate  parking is.

They said: “We issue warnings for inconsiderate parking as well as fines and bans to repeat offenders.

“Feedback is really valuable and we will monitor compliance at some of the busier spots in High Wycombe over the coming months, and take further action if necessary.”