Ticket to ride – how to try out new e-scooters
Sunderland’s new e-scooter operator is offering the public a chance to gain some handson experience – and a free helmet.
Original operator Neuron announced in November that itwaswindingupthepilotproject after almost two years.
City council bosses soon confirmed a new partnership had been signed with Zwings, which took over responsibility for the scheme through to May 2024.
Zwings took over last month,with100e-scootersdeployed in more than 100 parking bays across the city.
Now the firm has announced it is to hold a training day to allow people to get to grips with the eco-friendly machines.
The firm will be holding an event in Keel Square between 11am and 2pm on Monday, March 1.
Everyone taking part will receive a complimentary helmet on a first-come, firstserved basis, and a certificate for attending.
Members of the Zwings team will be there to offer help and advice to users of all skill levels, from first-time e-scooteruserstoexperiencedriders.
Participants will be able to test the e-scooters in a safe and controlled environment and learn basic controls, such as accelerating, braking, balance control, pulling away and stopping,andhowtobehaveon the road with advice on signalling, speed control, as well as meeting some of the Zwings team and learning how to use the Zwings app.
A Zwings spokesperson said: “E-scooters are a relatively new form of transportation. These vehicles represent aground-breakingandinnovativesolutiontoanumberofmajor challenges, but just as with any mode of transportation, they pose certain risks.
"At Zwings, we try to mitigate those risks through rider education and rule enforcement. Wearing a helmet on our e-scooters is strongly encouraged. We encourage all Zwings riders to use a helmet through giveaways and other incentives.
"We continually educate riders about the importance of proper protective headwear through tutorials and in-app reminders. At our safety events, riders can test our e-scooters in a controlled environment, with access to trainerswhowilldemonstrate basic manoeuvres.
"We work closely with local stakeholders to ensure our demonstrationzonesareinareasthataresafefore-scooting.”