E-scooter rental trial on Slough’s bus lanes

SLOUGH: An e-scooter rental trial is launching in town.

The scheme will allow residents to hire out hi-tech, zero emission e-scooters using an app on their smar tphones.

In total, 250 distinctive orange scooters will be available to use in the borough.

They will only be allowed on roads and riders will be able to use the town’s bus and on-road cycle lanes.

But the rental vehicles are banned on any pavement, even shared pavements where cyclists are permitted, to protect pedestrians.

Operator Neuron Mobility has been given the green light by the Department for Transport to run the rental scheme in Slough for a 12month trial period.

Geo-fencing technology and a GPS tracking system will control speed and inform riders when they need to return to an approved road or route if it detects the rider strays.

The vehicles will have a top speed of 15.5mph for experienced riders and 9mph for beginners.

The e-scooters will include innovative safety features including integrated lockable helmets, voice guidance to educate and alert riders during rides, and sensors which can tell if the e-scooter has been involved in a fall or has been left on its side.

Each is equipped with front and rear lights, which flash when breaking, so can be easily seen.

The e-scooters also carry a 999 emergency button feature which will help the rider notify emergency services if a fall is detected.

There will also be a ‘follow my ride’ function where a rider’s trip can be tracked in real time.

The e-scooters can be rented by people aged 18 years and over who hold a full or provisional driving licence.