A trial scheme which made available 250 electric scooters for rent in Newcastle is proving controversial three months in.
While introduced as a tool to help reduce transport-related carbon emissions and air pollution, some consider them a danger to riders and pedestrians alike.
In principle, scooter use is tightly controlled. They’re hired through an age-restricted app and are installed with geofencing technology that limits their use in low-speed zones, no-ride zones and no-parking zones.
The e-scooters also come with several safety features, including an integrated helmet, voice-guidance, a ‘follow my ride’ feature and an emergency 999 button.
Nonetheless, concerns have been raised over potential injuries following a series of incidents the police have responded to surrounding their misuse, namely: under-age users, people riding two at a time and scooters being raced.
The scooters in Newcastle are hired out by the Singaporean company Neuron.
Neuron states they are committed to safety and warned that irresponsible riders will face being banned.
A spokesperson for Neuron said: "So far, the vast majority of riders have behaved responsibly and the feedback has been extremely positive”
Watch the video above to see how the Neuron scooters have integrated into the city.
