Learn laws and test an e-scooter

escooter

E-scooter riders will be able to test and learn more about the electric vehicles and their safety features during UN Global Road Safety week.

An education campaign will see council officers; Neuron Mobility staff and Thames Valley Police assist e-scooter riders in the safety aspects of riding on the roads in the borough as well as the relevant road traffic laws.

A section of the former Thames Valley University site will be turned into a mock road area for e-scooter riders to use while receiving tips about how to ride safely and be considerate to other road users. This includes wearing the helmet provided to protect riders, or using their own.

The ScootSafe session will be held from 12pm until 5pm on Friday 21 May, at the former Thames Valley University car park, Stoke Road.

Neuron safety ambassadors will be engaging with riders in a socially distanced and safe way.

The current rules allow more people to meet outside. Measures will be taken to keep numbers within a safe limit and if too many people are on site others may have a short wait.

There will also be the opportunity to complete a short safety course created by Neuron and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, RoSPA. Those who complete the course will be offered free credits on their e-scooter account.

There is also the launch this week of the Slough specific rider quiz designed to promote safe riding, and educates riders of the specific rules of the road in the borough. Participants will also receive credits. 

Other Neuron safety innovations include the ‘helmet selfie’ which awards riders free credits if they take a picture of themselves wearing the helmet, and an in-app reaction test which promotes self reflection and helps riders assess whether they should be riding an e-scooter or not which only appears for any journey after 6pm. 

Thames Valley Police officers will also be talking to e-scooter riders they encounter and remind users of their legal responsibilities which could affect their driving licence.

Councillor Rob Anderson, lead member for sustainable transport and the environment, said: “As the country comes out of lock down e-scooters are another tool to get around the borough sustainably and quickly.

“They can be used in the on road bus and cycle lanes as well as on the roads.

“But they must be used safely for the rider and other road users, as well as being parked up so they don’t block pavements for pedestrians.

“This is an excellent chance for residents interested in the e-scooter who may need a bit of advice or support to get involved as well as those who already ride but want to know more.”

George Symes, expansion manager at Neuron Mobility, said: “It is great to be partnering with Slough Borough Council and Thames Valley Police during UN Global Road Safety Week. 

“The vast majority of riders in Slough have behaved responsibly, but we want to take this opportunity to reinforce the rules as well as our safety guidelines. 

“Ultimately, we’re committed to providing a safe, convenient and environmentally-friendly service for our users but also for the general public.”

Police Constable Marcus Audoin, of the Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary joint operations unit, said: “E-scooters are growing in popularity with many taking advantage of rental schemes across the UK and our priority is to ensure that those seeking to use e-scooters within Slough are doing so safely. 

“The rapid increase in popularity has led to some confusion around how and where they can be used so events such as these are vital in ensuring everyone feels informed.
“Private e-scooters are not permitted on public roads and pathways as they are classed as vehicles and fall under road traffic legislation. This also means that using a mobile phone whilst riding one or using one under the influence of alcohol are criminal offences and could lead to points on your driving licence.”

Rule breakers should be reported to Neuron’s 24/7 customer service centre with the exact time, location and licence plate number by emailing sloughsupport@neuron.sg or calling 01753 981188.

Journeys begin and end with the simple scanning of a QR code. For single trips it costs £1 to unlock the e-scooter and 18 pence per minute thereafter. More frequent users have the option to purchase Neuron passes on a subscription service, available for three days a week at a cost of £15, weekly at £22 and monthly at £36.

The e-scooters have a top speed of 15.5mph for experienced riders and a 9mph top speed for beginners.

Privately-owned electric scooters remain outlawed for use on any public path and road.

The Neuron e-scooter app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play where driving licence details and a payment card will be required before being allowed to ride an e-scooter.
 

Published: 17 May 2021