Electric scooters could be allowed on Britain’s roads for the first time in an attempt to encourage drivers to give up their cars.

Ministers are considering changing the law to allow the new mode of transport, which is being used in cities across America and Europe, the Daily Telegraph understands.

The Department for Transport is considering giving the green light to this new mode of transport in an effort to curb pollution and congestion.

A source said the department considers electric scooters an "interesting idea" which could help "get people out of cars".

At present, it is illegal to ride powered scooters on public roads or pavements in the UK.

On Tuesday Bird, an American electric scooter company, launched a three month trial on private paths in the Olympic park, east London. They vehicles travel at a maximum of 15 miles an hour and are hired through a smartphone app.

The company has been lobbying the Government to change the law and seeks to be able to roll out its pilot scheme across the country.

Richard Corbett, Head of Bird in the UK, said: “The aim of this pilot is to not only improve mobility within the Olympic Park, but also to demonstrate to policy makers that Bird is a safe and viable transport solution for cities across the UK.