UK-based micromobility company Zwings is offering free travel to NHS and emergency service workers in its Newcastle-under-Lyme trial.
The British e-scooter provider has seen an increase in Zwings rental use during the second lockdown. It said the scheme aims to meet this growing demand as well as supporting key workers to make essential trips.
Zwings will provide unlimited free rides to NHS and emergency service staff, including police and ambulance workers, until 02 December. It will also reduce prices to 10p a minute until 2021 for all riders.
Joe Lewin, Chief Executive of Zwings, said: “It is part of Zwings’ core ethos to support our communities in Newcastle-under-Lyme during this second lockdown in a hyper-localised manner.
“We recognise the important role our e-scooters play in supporting residents and key workers to travel at a social distance but also to help relieve stress from a hard day at work.”
Additional parking bays close to NHS facilities and major transit arteries will be introduced. Zwings said this will support key workers and residents who face limited transportation options.
Furthermore, anti-viral Shieldex copper handle grips have been added to the e-scooters for increased sanitisation. Zwings said these cooper handles can render up to 99.98% of viruses and bacteria harmless.
The micromobility company added that e-scooters provide a socially distanced mode of transport and a sustainable travel alternative. It believes the government will notice long-term behavioural changes, with e-scooters emerging as the primary mode of transportation for many short trips.
