An ancient city trials possible future of travel
THE CITY of York aims to be a flagship for the North when it comes to green travel, and lead the way for cities such as Leeds and Sheffield, after the launch of its new electric scooter initiative.
Fifty of the two- wheeled vehicles with small electric motors, which already operate in more than 100 cities around the world, have been deployed in and around the University of York.
They were unveiled at an event yesterday.
It is part of a year- long e- scooter trial and operator TIER was selected to run the technology.
As part of the Department for Transport- approved scheme renting an e- scooter in York will cost riders £ 1 to unlock the vehicle and 15p per minute travelled.
Discussions are taking place with the potential to gradually increase the number to up to 700 after six months, which officials hope will contribute to cleaner air in York and inspire other Northern cities to follow suit.
Paula Widdowson, the Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change at York Council, said: “I believe we can be a flagship for the North and the UK.
“This will have an impact on our carbon footprint and on the sustainability of the city.
“But it should also have an impact on some of our behaviours and it will be a good thing to see people giggling as they are not really putting a lot of effort in, going down the bike routes, passing the cars that are waiting to get into town to pay lots of money in a car park.”
Coun Andy D’Agorne, Executive Member for Transport at York Council, added: “This will provide a fantastic opportunity to explore how e- scooters might add to the mix of sustainable transport options, whilst helping to improve air quality and expand our electrical vehicle charging offer.”
TIER scooters come with safety features including a
I believe we can be a flagship for the North and the UK. Paula Widdowson, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change
helmet, a large front wheel, suspension for stable riding on uneven surfaces, a double kickstand and dual drum brakes.
TIER UK general manager Fred Jones said: “We really hope York can be an exemplar for other cities to look at and say ‘ we want that service in our cities as well’.
“I fully expect once this trial period is over we’ll see many more cities across the North, and smaller towns, look at this service and definitely see the value of rolling it out locally in their neighbourhoods as well.”