Spin, the micromobility unit of Ford Motor Company, has announced the launch of its first public hire e-scooter trial in Basildon, Essex.
Spin is launching the service with 50 e-scooters available for hire in the town from this week.
It is the first step in a managed phased launch that Spin is looking to gradually expand concurrently with demand and working 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 with Basildon and Essex County Council as it looks to roll out the trial service in other locations over the coming months.
Commenting on the launch, 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 safety of all road users. The e-scooters are speed-restricted to a maximum of 15.5mph and 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 roads. Use of e-scooters is not permitted on pavements.
A team from Spin team is currently on the ground at St Martins Square in Basildon to assist those wanting to try the e-scooters. On Friday 11th and Saturday 12th December, Spin will offer free e-scooter training provided by professional scooting company ScootFit.
Spin will be using Ford’s Dagenham facility for servicing e-scooters and as a depot. The company will be opening new warehousing in Essex to support the trials as the schemes grow.
