While the government has postponed a decision on the legality of e-scooters until March of next year, the Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, says he expects them to become a "permanent feature" – despite vocal criticism from some quarters.

A ban on riding e-scooters on UK roads and cycle lanes was partially lifted last July to allow for trials of rented scooters covered by a motor vehicle insurance policy and in October, Voi e-scooters became available to hire in Bath and Bristol.

The reaction to them has been broadly positive – albeit there have undeniably been a few teething problems.

Avon & Somerset Constabulary’s traffic management unit boss, Richard McKiernan, was one of the sceptics, but later proclaimed himself “the biggest convert out of everybody” after deeming the trial a “policing non-event”.

Parking has however been a concern with reports of e-scooters “overflowing” from designated parking zones, blocking pavements.

At least one local has suggested that car parking spaces be given over to them, while Voi has moved to address the problem by working with the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) to develop a new rack.

Rees – who has been using the e-scooters himself – told ITV he thought the trial was proving a success, but added: "There are lessons to learn. We have to look at how they’re managed in space; how they’re left to make sure they’re not blocking pavements and causing a hazard.

"So the technology that Voi have, we want them to make better use of that and we need to talk to them about that and the storage when they’re not in use.”

He also had a message for riders.

"The advice to everyone, however you’re travelling, travel as though there are other people travelling at the same time.

"When I drive my car, I drive as though I might have to stop, and scooter riders need to do the same and obviously need to act sensibly when they are on the road."