Request ID: FOI-0856-2122 Date published: 23 August 2021
You asked
This is a Freedom of Information Request made under the Freedom of Information Act and subsequent modifications to that Act.
My request is to know
1. Where the e-scooters introduced in the London e-scooter trials are manufactured. If parts are manufactured and the scooters are assembled somewhere else, I would like to know where the parts are manufactured and where the scooters are assembled.
2. Where the lithium in the lithium batteries is mined.
3. What benefits the distributors of these machines are giving to the councils. If you can provide the contract with the council that would be helpful.
4. We read that the distributors will provide insurance. Please send me a copy of this insurance policy or outline how it works, particularly with all the hit and run accidents so far with black scooters.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0856-2122 Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 28th July 2021 asking for information about e-scooters.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. Your questions are answered in turn below.
Question 1: Where the e-scooters introduced in the London e-scooter trials are manufactured. If parts are manufactured and the scooters are assembled somewhere else, I would like to know where the parts are manufactured and where the scooters are assembled?
Answer: Dott and TIER manufacture and assemble their vehicles in China. Lime manufacture their vehicles in China and assemble them in Europe. Manufacturer details are displayed on the vehicles.
Question 2: Where the lithium in the lithium batteries is mined?
Answer: TfL does not hold this information.
Question 3: What benefits the distributors of these machines are giving to the councils. If you can provide the contract with the council that would be helpful.
Answer: Please see the following link which provides general information about the trial including why it’s being done and the benefits it will bring:
Our template “Administration Agreement” with operators is also attached. This includes the template contract between operators and Councils within schedules 4 and 9.
Question 4: We read that the distributors will provide insurance. Please send me a copy of this insurance policy or outline how it works, particularly with all the hit and run accidents so far with black scooters.
Answer: We are unable to share copies of the rental operators’ insurance policies because public disclosure of this information is likely to give a competitive advantage to other similar companies and would have a damaging impact on the companies concerned. Additionally, any relevant information supplied by the operator is provided in the expectation that details within their bid, which is commercially sensitive, will be held by TfL and not disclosed to another organisation who may gain a competitive advantage in receiving this information. The information is therefore exempt from disclosure under section 41 (information provided in confidence) and section 43 (prejudice to commercial interests) of the Freedom of Information Act.
Section 43 is a ‘qualified’ exemption, meaning that we have to consider whether the greater public interest lies in applying the exemption or in releasing the information in any event. While we appreciate the need for openness and transparency from public bodies in the operation of their business, and the fact that there may be some limited interest in the information requested (as evidenced by the fact you have asked for it), in this instance we believe that the greater public interest lies in the exemption applying. If the information was disclosed this would be likely to reduce the number of companies competing for the supply of such goods and services in the future. This is likely to potentially reduce the opportunities for securing the most efficient and cost effective service in the future and prejudice the commercial interests of both TfL and other potential operators. As TfL is largely a publicly funded body (via grants and fares), there is a strong public interest in securing the best value for that money.
Notwithstanding the above, note that Clause 21 in the attached Administration Agreement outlines the insurance requirements for the rental operators for participating in the trial.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
