Ford Motor Company’s micromobility unit, Spin, has announced the launch of the first of several e-scooter trials in Essex.
From Monday 07 December 2020, some 50 e-scooters will be available to rent in Basildon in a managed phased launch. Spin said it is looking to gradually expand the trial in line with demand and is working closely with Basildon Council and Essex County Council.
Basildon will be the first of six Essex-based locations that Spin will roll out in the coming months.
Steve Pyer, UK country manager at Spin, said: “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.”
Spin’s initiative to enable key workers to ride for free will be available as part of the Basildon trial. NHS workers working in active health care facilities in the region will be eligible for 30 minutes free rides. The company’s discount scheme for low-income users will also be available in Essex.
