Staffordshire County Council and transport partner Amey have launched e-scooters trials in Stafford and Newcastle-Under-Lyme as part of the ADEPT Smart Places Live Labs programme.
The Live Labs Simulate programme, run by the council and Amey, is designed to test new innovations that can radically improve mobility and air quality across Staffordshire.
The 12-month-long trials will see Staffordshire County Council and Amey work in collaboration with Stafford and Newcastle-under-Lyme borough councils to bring more than 150 e-scooters supplied by UK-based micromobility operators Ginger and Zwings to the region this week.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, David Williams, said: “Our electric scooter trials in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford brings us an exciting opportunity to explore alternative and green transport options for our communities. As people gradually return to their workplace, they will be able to try a new way of travelling that may reduce bus and car use.
Ginger will manage the e-scooters in Stafford, with Zwings responsible for the trial at Newcastle-under-Lyme. Strict safety measures will be introduced across both trials, including license verification and responsible parking incentives.
Both schemes will also operate different age restrictions. Those hiring e-scooters with Ginger need to be aged 18 and have a provisional, full drivers or motorcycle licence. Those hiring e-scooters with Zwings can do so from the age of 16 but will also need to have a provisional, full drivers or motorcycle licence.
