Bristol's e-scooters and e-bikes are run by Dott under a West of England Combined Authority trial, covering Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire through a single app. Pricing is pay-as-you-go with an unlock fee plus a per-minute rate, and it's worth checking the current rate in the app before you ride, since Dott has changed its pricing before.
How it works
Download the Dott app, find the nearest available e-scooter, e-bike or e-cargo bike on the in-app map, and hop on. It's a genuine hop-on hop-off system: there's no need to book ahead or return the vehicle to a fixed dock, though you do need to park at an approved location when you're done. E-cargo bikes, useful for shopping trips or carrying kids, are available in both Bristol and Bath.
Where you can ride
The operating area covers central Bristol and has been expanding outward; South Gloucestershire's zone was recently extended into Lyde Green, Longwell Green and Winterbourne, and from August 2025 into Yate and Chipping Sodbury as part of an ongoing trial. Certain places are marked as "no-ride" zones, where the vehicle won't function, and "slow-ride" zones that automatically cap your speed - check the in-app map or journey planner before you set off, since these zones aren't always obvious on the ground.
The rules
Riding a hired e-scooter puts you under the same rules as driving a car, and breaking them can add points to your driving licence. Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to ride in public in the UK, including in Bristol, except on private land with the landowner's permission - only the hired, insured Dott vehicles are legal to use on Bristol's streets and cycle paths.
Discounts
Dott and the combined authority run a UK Access Scheme offering discounts of 35%, 50% or up to 80% off pay-as-you-go rides for up to 12 months, aimed at people who qualify on income or other eligibility grounds. There's no membership fee or subscription required to use it, just a smartphone, an email address and a bank card to set up your account through the app.
Safety tips
Bristol's hills catch out a lot of first-time riders, particularly the climb up from the Harbourside to Clifton or Kingsdown, so brake early on the way down rather than relying on the motor to control your speed. Helmets aren't provided with hire vehicles and aren't legally required for adults in the UK, but wearing one is sensible, especially on cobbled streets around the Old City and Harbourside, where wheels can catch in gaps between stones. Stick to cycle lanes and roads rather than pavements, since riding an e-scooter on the pavement is against the rules of the scheme as well as the law.
Other ways to get around
E-scooters and e-bikes work best for short hops rather than crossing the whole city. For the fuller picture of buses, ferries and walking routes, see our getting around Bristol guide, and if you're driving in, check our parking guide and Clean Air Zone guide before you set off, since Bristol charges older, more polluting vehicles to enter the centre. If you'd rather stick to the water, our Bristol Ferry Boats guide covers a scenic alternative for getting around the harbour.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to ride a privately owned e-scooter in Bristol?
No. Only hired e-scooters from the official Dott scheme are legal to ride on public roads and paths in Bristol. Privately owned e-scooters are illegal in public, except on private land with permission.
How much does a Dott ride cost in Bristol?
Pricing is pay-as-you-go with an unlock fee plus a per-minute rate. Rates have changed before, so check the current price in the Dott app before you ride rather than relying on an old figure.
Do I need a licence to ride an e-scooter?
You don't need a specific licence to hire one, but you're bound by the same rules as driving a car, and breaking them can add points to your driving licence.
Is there a discount for lower-income riders?
Yes, the UK Access Scheme offers 35%, 50% or up to 80% off pay-as-you-go rides for up to 12 months for those who qualify, with no subscription needed.
Can I use the same app in Bath?
Yes, the Dott scheme covers Bristol, Bath and parts of South Gloucestershire through one app and account.
Do I need a helmet to ride a hire e-scooter?
Helmets aren't provided and aren't legally required for adults in the UK, but wearing one is sensible, particularly on Bristol's hills and cobbled streets.