Newcastle’s e-scooter scheme surpasses one million miles

Credit: Neuron Mobility

Neuron Mobility has announced that riders have now travelled over one million miles in Newcastle on its e-scooters, following the news that the city’s e-scooter trial is to be extended until May 2024, alongside the introduction of a new parking model where riders are required to park at a designated parking station to better integrate e-scooters in the city.

Since launching in February 2021, the trial has been hailed a success, with 97% of users saying that Neuron has created a positive impact on the city, according to a recent rider survey.

Furthermore, data from Neuron also shows how residents have incorporated e-scooters into their daily routines, using them to get to work and travel around the city, with 40% of trips used for commuting, 28% to run errands and 20% to travel to appointments.

The same survey has also highlighted how the e-scooters have contributed to making Newcastle a cleaner and more sustainable city, with 40% of trips replacing a car journey, saving 103 tonnes of CO2 emissions to date.

According to Neuron Mobility, the trial has also helped boost the local economy. A recent report, titled ‘Shared Rides, Shared Wealth’, revealed that e-scooters have enabled riders to spend an average of £17.80 at local businesses per trip, adding up to £11,900 per e-scooter and £8.9 million in Newcastle annually. 

Neuron’s latest research highlights economic benefits of e-scooters in the UK

Over the trial period, Neuron has partnered with The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to develop improved safety practices for Neuron’s operations, as well as leading sight loss charities, The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and the Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) to hold ScootSafe events, which raised awareness of safe riding and being considerate to all road users.

In consultation with these charities, Neuron has introduced a new parking model which requires riders to end their trip at one of the hundreds of convenient designated parking stations. Following a successful trial in Jesmond and the city centre since December 2022, the new parking model has been expanded to the full service area to ensure the e-scooter programme is integrated into Newcastle in the best way possible. 

Cormac Quinn, UK General Manager at Neuron Mobility, said: “Our e-scooters have travelled over a million miles so far and have replaced thousands of car journeys, saving over one hundred tonnes of CO2 since we launched in February 2021. Studies show that seven out of 10 trips result in a purchase and we are delighted that local businesses and venues are recognising the benefits of our e-scooters for the city.”

Councillor Jane Byrne, Cabinet Member for Connected Clean City at Newcastle City Council, said: “Neuron has worked closely with us and with local councillors and communities to bring about improvements to the scheme in response to public feedback. This has included the welcome introduction of new parking arrangements to ensure e-scooters are left in a safe and appropriate place at the end of a journey.”