E-scooters contribute £11,000 each to local economies every year, according to new report 

Rental e-scooters help contribute £11,000 each to local economies every year, according to new research from micromobility operator Neuron.

In a study focussed on Newcastle’s local economy, Singapore-founded company Neuron said that shared e-scooters had injected an estimated £8.9 million a year into the economy there. 

Around 70% of journeys on shared scooters also resulted in a purchase at a local business, according to the study, with an average spend of around £17.30 per trip, putting the total contribution at £11,500 per scooter per year. 

Cormac Quinn, UK regional manager at Neuron Mobility said: “Our vision has always been to partner with cities to help them build a more prosperous and sustainable future. We’re heartened that our new report clearly demonstrates we’re on the right track. The data shows our e-scooters are helping to boost local economies and revive the high street, which is certainly welcome, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“However, our work doesn’t stop there and we are committed to helping our towns and cities thrive in the long term. Neuron’s e-scooters have helped make cities more liveable too, providing much needed first and last mile transport options, enhancing local public transport networks and helping to keep cities running 24/7 by providing essential transport to those working night shifts. 

“As we continue to expand and develop new partnerships, we’re delighted that the vast majority of our riders – plus an increasing number of local businesses and venues – are recognising and benefiting from the positive impacts micromobility has on the economy.”

The data comes from the newly launched Prosperity Report 2022, titled ‘Shared Rides, Shared Wealth,’ which outlines the positive impact of e-scooter schemes in local economies. 

 A vast majority of riders surveyed (97%) believe Neuron has benefited their city and also improved mobility, air quality and congestion.  Most riders said they used e-scooters for leisure and recreation (62%), while many also made purposeful journeys like commuting to work or school (38%), running errands such as shopping (29%) and getting to appointments (19%). 

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John McCabe, CEO of the North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “Neuron’s e-scooters have been a fantastic addition to the transport mix in Newcastle. During the transition out of the pandemic, when the city was in need of economic stimulation, Neuron’s e-scooters provided a socially distanced and reliable mode of transport to enable the public to get out and spend in person, as well as offering an alternative for key workers to commute to work. 

“Thankfully, as the effects of the pandemic subside, Neuron’s e-scooters continue to contribute to the local economy. This has been especially apparent as large-scale events and their associated visitors have returned to the city.” 

Neuron currently operates in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and in Newcastle, Sunderland and Slough in the UK.