Buckinghamshire’s e-scooter trials see ‘electrifying’ start

E-scooters running in Aylesbury and High Wycombe have covered the equivalent of travelling from New York to Los Angeles in their first full week of operation, Buckinghamshire Council and operator Zipp Mobility have said.

The 50 strong fleet of e-scooters, which were used over 1,330 times, clocked up more than 2,850 miles between them with journey distances averaging out at just over two miles per rental in both towns. More scooters are now being added in both towns together with additional parking bays in popular locations.

Buckinghamshire Council cabinet member for sports and leisure Clive Harriss said: “E-scooters really do offer a new and genuinely alternative way of making short trips in and around our two biggest towns and they’re great fun to use.

“Although we have more detailed analysis to do over the coming months, it already looks like trips are being made so people can get to work and for journeys that might otherwise have been made by car or using public transport.

“E-scooters add up to a much greener and socially distanced way of getting around which means less pollution, cleaner air and safer travel during the pandemic.”

Will O’Brien, vice-president of growth and Government affairs at Zipp Mobility, said they were working seven days a week to keep up with demand. “Our team on the ground is working round the clock to sanitise our scooters and keep them fully charged. Initial demand for the service has exceeded our expectations and we are slowly scaling up the fleet in co-operation with the Council and other local stakeholders.

“We are also continuing to identify appropriate sites for additional parking zones to ensure the future success of the trial. As long as you’re over 16 and have a minimum of a provisional driving licence, you can ride a scooter. Simply download the Zipp Mobility app, follow the simple instructions and away you go.”