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Spin is launching its first Essex public hire e-scooter trial in Basildon next Monday, 7th December.
50 e-scooters will be available for hire in the town. This is the first step in a managed phased launch which Spin is looking to gradually expand hand in hand with demand and working closely with Basildon Council.
Two of Spin’s programmes supporting key workers and low-income riders will also be available in Basildon. All NHS workers that work in a healthcare facility in Spin’s active trial locations will be eligible for 30-minute free rides, a scheme known as Everyday Heroes. Another scheme, Spin Access, will provide subsidised fares, 50% off, for those who qualify. To begin with, the scheme will offer subsidised rates to unemployed and low-income riders registered with Jobcentre Plus and who have access to a Jobcentre Plus Discount Travel Card.
Spin is working closely with Basildon and Essex County Council to trial this new transport mode that provides choice and accessibility for local residents. It will continue to work with local authorities in Essex as it looks to roll out in other locations over the coming months.
Steve Pyer, UK country manager at Spin said: “We are excited to launch the first of our Essex e-scooter trials in Basildon. Our aim is to develop an affordable and reliable service that gives the local community of more than 100,000 residents a more sustainable, fun and socially-distanced way to travel around the town. To achieve this, we are taking a community-centred, consultative approach with local authorities, with public safety as a top priority.
“Unlike private e-scooters that are still illegal in the UK, we have much more control of the e-scooters speed and the areas where people can ride. As this is part of the national trials we’ll be closely monitoring it and sharing findings and feedback with the Department for Transport and local authorities and fine-tune operations as and when needed.”
The trial will have strict operational rules to ensure the safety of all road users, be it pedestrians, including those with sight and hearing loss, cyclists or drivers. Spin e-scooters are speed-restricted to a maximum of 15.5 mph. Spin will use geofencing technology to create dedicated ‘go slow’ and ‘no ride’ areas and to prevent its e-scooters from being operated outside of permitted areas. Outside of the ‘no ride’ areas, e-scooters can be ridden anywhere that bicycles are allowed to go, including most low-speed (up to 30mph) roads. Use of e-scooters is not permitted on pavements.
For convenience, the Spin App will also show recommended parking spots and in some high-footfall areas, riders will be required to park in designated areas. Riding will cost 0.20p per minute with no additional ‘unlock’ fee. Daily, weekly and monthly passes are also available to those who would like to ride regularly.
Spin is working closely with local authorities to roll-out its fleets safely and sustainably. New riders must view a comprehensive set of rules and instructions and complete a safety test before they can take their first ride. The Spin App is customised to each town or city’s specific rules and needs. The company also hosts Spin Safe safety events and partners with local businesses on promotional events to support local initiatives.
From 7th December, the Spin team will be on the ground at St. Martins Square in Basildon to give a hand to those wanting to try the e-scooters. On 11th and Saturday 12th December, Spin will be offering free e-scooter training provided by professional scooting company ScootFit. Those interested are advised to pre-book slots on the website. A small number of walk-in slots will be available on both days. The Spin team will be following all Government guidelines, including social distancing, and helmets will be provided which customers can keep.
Spin will work closely with its parent company Ford and will be using Ford’s Dagenham facility for servicing e-scooters and as a depot. Spin will be opening new warehousing in Essex to support the trials as the schemes grow.
