Spin launches public hire e-scooter trial in Colchester

Spin has launched its public hire e-scooter trial in Colchester – its fourth location in the UK following Chelmsford, Basildon and Milton Keynes.

Spin’s Everyday Heroes programme will be available immediately for Colchester’s NHS workers to benefit from free 30-minute e-scooter rides. So far, more than 80 NHS workers have registered for the programme in Basildon, Chelmsford and Milton Keynes.

To start with, 50 e-scooters will be available for hire in a geofenced area in the town from 15th February covering the centre and surrounding area, including the close vicinity of Colchester Hospital. Spin is looking to engage with NHS facilities to discuss potential e-scooter parking areas nearby for easier access for riders to their facilities.

This marks the beginning of a phased rollout of Spin’s fleet that will be managed in close collaboration with Colchester Borough Council and Essex County Council. In the beginning, it will be aimed at local residents needing to make essential trips. Once the lockdown, lifts all residents will be welcome to enjoy this new means of transport.

Riding will cost 0.20p per minute with no ‘unlock’ fee. Daily, weekly and monthly passes will be also available to those who would like to ride regularly when government restrictions ease about essential travel.

“We’re delighted to be able to expand our support to NHS workers of Colchester in addition to Chelmsford, Basildon, and Milton Keynes,” said Steve Pyer, UK country manager at Spin. “While the Government urges us to stay at home, essential workers need convenient, safe, socially distanced transport modes to get to work and e-scooters provide that ease of travel in a greener way.”

Pyer added: “Safety of our riders and all road users remains our priority. As a reminder, riders must be 18+ years old and have a provisional or full driving licence. Otherwise, they will not be covered by insurance and will be riding illegally. All riders will need to complete several safety training modules before their first rides and we encourage them to wear helmets which we can provide for free.”

Councillor Martin Goss, portfolio holder for waste, environment and transportation, said: “We are pleased to support this Essex County Council initiative to provide greener transport solutions for residents. The Everyday Heroes scheme is a deserved benefit for hardworking local NHS workers, I am pleased their efforts have been recognised and would encourage them to take advantage of their free ride.”