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Spin e-scooters are set to be scaled up throughout Milton Keynes after the rental company surpassed 10,000 rides in the town.
The company’s initial rollout in the area – part of the UK’s ongoing e-scooter trials – included 100 e-scooters being placed on the streets. In the coming weeks, that number is expected to triple.
“This milestone has come about faster than we forecast, which is testament to the enthusiasm that Milton Keynes’ residents have for e-scooters and the effectiveness of the company’s partnership with Milton Keynes Council,” read a Spin statement.
Spin said industry data indicates 41% of e-scooter trips directly replace car travel, representing an exciting shift to more sustainable transport. The company is confident that this rate of growth can be maintained, with e-scooters becoming a “regular, safe, and fun” form of transport around the city.
The e-scooter operator is working closely with Milton Keynes Council to roll out its fleet responsibly, with public safety being the top priority. The company plans to give away hundreds of free helmets to Milton Keynes residents. Instead of offering in-person safety course, due to restrictions on public gatherings, Spin is offering all riders access to Spin Safe Digital, an online learning resource that teaches riders how to start and end trips properly, parking techniques to ensure walkways are free of scooter clutter, and safe riding practices during COVID-19. Riders can receive a £5 discount if they take an online quiz testing them on the rules.
There have been some “limited reports” of irresponsible parking, which Milton Keynes Council and Spin are working together to resolve with new parking solutions.
Steve Pyer, UK general manager at Spin, said: “We were very excited to bring the first of our UK e-scooter fleets to Milton Keynes in August and, following a highly-encouraging response from local riders, it is exceptionally positive to see this rapid rate of adoption for this great alternative to car travel. We will continue to work closely with Milton Keynes Council to ensure continued success. This is the first of many Spin e-scooter trials across the UK as part of our firm commitment to fully integrate e-scooters into local transport ecosystems.”
Cllr Lauren Townsend, Cabinet Member for Sustainability, added: “We’re delighted that our residents are embracing Spin’s e-scooters. We have a great track record on trialling new technologies here in Milton Keynes, and we’re excited at the potential for e-scooters to keep people out of their cars, cut emissions, and keep our air clean – a key part of our ambitious plans to make MK a leading green city.”
