Spin launches in Chelmsford with free rides for NHS staff

Chelmsford will be the second city in Essex to get its hands on Spin scooters, after the firm launched in Basildon last year

Micromobility operator Spin has launched its public hire e-scooter trial in Chelmsford, Essex, with free rides handed out to NHS workers save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Spin says its Everyday Heroes programme will be available immediately so that Chelmsford’s NHS workers can benefit from free 30-minute e-scooter rides to get to work and home again via a socially distanced means of transport, as they tirelessly and courageously work on the frontline throughout the national lockdown.

According to Spin, initial customer feedback shows that they find e-scooters a safer, more socially-distanced essential transport mode during the pandemic. A recent survey of riders in Milton Keynes, where Spin has been operating for 5-months, suggests 72 percent of riders believe e-scooters are a safer alternative to public transport during COVID-19, with 53 percent using them more frequently now for essential trips.

Spin will introduce 50 e-scooters available for hire in a geo-fenced area in the city from today, covering the city centre and surrounding area. Spin is looking to engage with Broomfield Hospital and other NHS facilities to discuss potential e-scooter parking areas nearby for easier access to riders to their facilities. This marks the beginning of a phased rollout of Spin’s fleet that will be managed in close collaboration with Chelmsford City Council and Essex County Council. In the beginning it will be aimed at local residents needing to make essential trips and for all residents once the lockdown lifts.

Riding will cost 0.20p per minute with no “unlock” fee. Daily, weekly and monthly passes will be also available to those who would like to ride regularly when government restrictions ease about essential travel. 

“This trial will provide an opportunity to promote sustainable travel options, particularly for short trips and commuting, reduce traffic congestion and cut carbon emissions,” said Chelmsford Council Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, Councillor Mike Mackrory.

“It will also benefit people to access their workplace in Chelmsford while social distancing is in place on public transport.”

Steve Pyer, UK Country Manager at Spin added: “We’re delighted to be able to support the NHS workers of Chelmsford that are risking their own health to care for others.

“While the government urges us to stay at home, essential workers need convenient, safe, socially-distanced transport modes to get to work and e-scooters provide that ease of travel in a greener way.”

Spin’s Everyday Heroes programme enables all eligible NHS workers (including doctors, nurses, cleaners, radiology and lab technicians, medical assistants, and hospital and clinic administrators) free 30-minute rides. Applicants simply need to upload an image of their NHS ID and register on the dedicated webpage and will then receive a unique code via email for use in the Spin App.

The Spin App is also customised to Chelmsford City Council’s specific rules and needs to ensure the safety of all road users (pedestrians, cars, cyclists, those with sight and hearing loss). Such rules include speed restrictions, geofencing to enforce no riding areas and designated parking areas. Spin says every new rider must view this comprehensive set of rules and instructions and complete a safety test before they can take their first ride.