Scooters might keep on rolling
BUT FINAL
NEWCASTLE’S e-scooters could stay in the city beyond the end of their year-long trial, it has emerged.
Hundreds of the orange Neuron scooters have been on Tyneside streets as part of a 12-month project launched last year, which is due to come to an end on February 14.
But it has been confirmed that the experiment could be extended by a further six weeks at least, with a hint that it could remain even longer.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service on Friday that, in line with the scheme in Sunderland and others around the country, Newcastle’s e-scooter scheme can be extended to March 31 – adding that “anything after that will be announced shortly”.
Riders have travelled more than 400,000 miles on the electric vehicles since their introduction and an expansion of Neuron’s ride area into areas including Ouseburn and Heaton was announced last November.
But the scheme has not been popular with everyone, sparking complaints about the scooters being driven dangerously and abandoned in the middle of pavements.
City transport bosses confirmed that they are in talks about an extension of the e-scooter trial, though final arrangements for it have not been made.
A spokesperson for Newcastle City Council said: “We started our trial before many other local authorities and it is currently due to end in Newcastle on February 14.
“We have the option to extend and remain in discussion with the Department for Transport regarding the next steps and their intention for these national trials.
“We are working with Neuron who are running the scheme in Newcastle to complete a review of the first year of operation at the moment. This will help inform government, and our approach. Further details will be published in due course.”
Oliver Irons, Neuron’s Newcastle city manager, said that the e-scooters have “been really well received”.
He added: “Research shows they have helped boost the local economy with over 60% of rides resulting in a purchase at a local business.
DECISION HAS NOT YET BEEN MADE
Research shows over 60% of rides result in a purchase at a local business Neuron’s Newcastle city manager Oliver Irons
“As the trials are being evaluated we remain focused on providing a safe, convenient and environmentallyfriendly service for Newcastle. “We have contributed positively to Newcastle City Council’s sustainability goals by helping to reduce congestion and decrease air pollution and we are proud to have supported key workers throughout the pandemic by providing a safe and socially-distanced form of travel.”
The scooters, which have a top speed of 15mph, can only be ridden legally by people aged 18 or over with a full or provisional driving licence.