Spin has launched its latest public hire e-scooter trial in Colchester – its fourth location in the UK following Chelmsford, Basildon and Milton Keynes.
Initially, 50 e-scooters will be available for hire in a geofenced area in the town covering the centre and surrounding area, including the close vicinity of Colchester Hospital.
Spin said it is looking to engage with NHS facilities to discuss potential e-scooter parking areas nearby for easier access for riders to their facilities.
The launch marks the beginning of a phased rollout of Spin’s fleet that will be managed in collaboration with Colchester Borough Council and Essex County Council.
In the beginning it will be aimed at local residents needing to make essential trips. However, once the lockdown lifts all residents will be able to use the service.
Riding will cost 20p per minute with no unlock fee. Daily, weekly and monthly passes will be also available to those who want to ride regularly when UK government restrictions ease about essential travel.
Furthermore, Spin’s Everyday Heroes programme will be available immediately for Colchester’s NHS workers, providing free 30-minute e-scooter rides.
So far, more than 80 NHS workers have registered for the programme in Basildon, Chelmsford and Milton Keynes, according to Spin.
Councillor Martin Goss, portfolio holder for waste, environment and transportation, Colchester Borough Council, 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.”
Applicants for Spin’s Everyday Heroes programme must upload an image of their NHS ID and register on a dedicated webpage. They will then receive a unique code via email for use in the Spin app.
The Spin app has also been customised to Colchester Borough Council’s specific rules and needs to ensure the safety of all road users, including pedestrians, cars, cyclists, those with sight and hearing loss.
Rules include speed restrictions, geofencing to enforce no riding areas and designated parking areas.
