Spin, the micromobility unit of Ford Motor Company, has announced the launch of its first public hire e-scooter trial.
The company is launching the service with 50 e-scooters available for hire in the town of Basildon, Essex.
Spin is working closely with the city and county Council to trial this new transport mode that provides choice and accessibility for local residents and that’s complimentary to public transport as an alternative to short-distance car journeys.
The company is also offering programmes supporting key workers and low-income riders. In fact, all NHS workers that work in a healthcare facility in Spin’s active trial locations will be eligible for 30-minute free rides, a scheme known as Everyday Heroes.
Also, Spin Access will provide subsidised fares to unemployed and low-income riders registered with Jobcentre Plus and who have access to a Jobcentre Plus Discount Travel Card.
Spin is working closely with the government in order to offer a safe and affordable way for residents to move across the town, according to Steve Pyer, UK Country Manager at Spin.
“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,” he said. “As this is part of the national trials, we’ll be closely monitoring it and sharing findings and feedback with the Department for Transport and local authorities and fine-tune operations as and when needed.”
The trial will have strict operational rules to ensure the safety of all road users. Spin e-scooters are speed-restricted to a maximum of 15.5 mph. Spin will use geofencing technology to create dedicated ‘go slow’ and ‘no ride’ areas and to prevent its e-scooters from being operated outside of permitted areas. Outside of the ‘no ride’ areas, e-scooters can be ridden anywhere that bicycles are allowed to go, including most low-speed (up to 30mph) roads.
Spin will be using Ford’s Dagenham facility for servicing e-scooters and as a depot. The company will be opening new warehousing in Essex to support the trials as the schemes grow.