Staffordshire and Amey team up on e-scooter trial

Staffordshire County Council has worked with its transport provider Amey to join up with e-scooter firms Ginger and Zwings.

The scheme will see 150 e-scooters deployed across Stafford and Newcastle-under-Lyme as part of the ADEPT Smart Places Live Labs programme – a £22.9m project funded by the Department for Transport to implement and utilise digital technology across local areas.

E-scooters in Stafford will be managed by Ginger and Zwings will deliver the trial in Newcastle-under-Lyme. It is hoped by the council that using separate providers in two locations a data-set can be evaluated on the value of the programme over the year-long trial period.

Age restrictions will be implemented within the scheme with Ginger requiring full driver and motorcycle licences for people over 18 years old. wing will only require a 16 year age limit and the minimum of a provisional licence.

The council hopes that micromobility will play a vital role in the future of transportation services and enable citizens to travel more sustainability as well as improving connections across regions and city areas. This has become especially important in the pandemic era with shifts in working and living patterns.

Transport minister at Stattfordshire CC, Rachel Maclean, said: “The trials of rental e-scooters starting in Staffordshire could offer cleaner, efficient and more affordable travel for local communities.

“Learning from trials already taking place, Staffordshire’s will see strict safety measures introduced – including license verification and responsible parking incentives, while also helping us better understand any impacts on public spaces.”

Cabinet member for highways and transport at the council, 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 which may reduce bus and car use.

“The trial is part of our SIMULATE project, where selected small businesses are bringing innovation and industry expertise to find sustainable transport and clean air solutions which will bring real long-term benefits to communities and businesses. Electric vehicle development will play an integral role in future transport.

“The county council is pleased to be a partner in the SIMULATE project. We have set out our continued to commitment to combatting climate change and transport innovation is a key part of that.”

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