A fleet of pay-as-you-go electric golf buggies is now available to hire on the streets of Hammersmith & Fulham, marking a UK first.

The bright yellow buggies are being trialled as “clean, healthy, practical” alternatives to cars

Operated by Yo-Go, the standout yellow buggies are being trialled as “clean, healthy, practical” alternatives to cars.

Fully insured, they’re available for use by anyone between the ages of 25 and 70 who has held a UK driving licence for over two years.

The buggies are purpose-built, fully licensed for UK roads – although they can’t be used on motorways – and have a 5kW motor, with a top speed of 23mph and regenerative braking.

They can carry two people plus bags, slot sideways into any parking bay and are ULEZ exempt.

They have 30-40 miles of range when fully charged, can be driven on 20/30/40mph roads and can also be parked free of charge in any Hammersmith & Fulham controlled parking zone.

The first 10 buggies are already available in the borough, and can be hired and returned from a Buggy Park on Woodlawn Road via the Yo-Go app.

The vehicles cost 20p a minute to drive, reduced to 10p a minute if the driver takes out a £10 monthly subscription. Drivers also pay a lower flat rate of 5p a minute for when the buggy is parked.

Speaking to the London Evening Standard, a spokesperson for Hammersmith and Fulham Council said: “These innovative electric buggies are another first for Hammersmith and Fulham as they offer residents and businesses an affordable, eco-friendly alternative.

“We welcome this pilot as we work to make local journeys cheaper, greener and more convenient.”