E-Scooters are go again in Sunderland with new operator

Sunderland’s successful trial of e-scooters is set to continue until May 2024 following the appointment of a new operator Zwings to run the scheme.

The Department for Transport trial has been running since November 2020 and raising awareness of environmentally friendly alternatives to the private car.

Thousands of people have used the scooters and it has achieved the following:

• 170,000 miles travelled

• 20,000 unique riders

• 40 per cent of trips replacing car journeys

• 18 Tonnes of Co2 savings

Zwings the new operator has operated e-scooter schemes across the UK, including successful trials in Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Yeovil. Zwings were recently acquired by Zeus Mobility Group who operate in over 30 cities across the world.

Rider and residents should note:

• Orange scooters will disappear to be replaced by Zwings Sky Blue coloured ones (see image link below)

• Details on how to register and use the new scheme will be published in the coming weeks and it is expected that the changeover will take place at the beginning of December

• The new operator will initially launch with 100 e-scooters during the winter and the scheme is expected to more than double in size in 2023.

Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for Clean Green City, Councillor Claire Rowntree said:

"Newer, greener and low-carbon transport is important for all of us and we have welcomed working with previous trial operator Neuron and we wish them well.

"I am delighted that we have been able to move quickly to appoint Zwings so that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the benefits of low carbon travel.

"We have a City Plan for a more dynamic, healthy and vibrant Sunderland, and low carbon transport is a big part of this."

Sunderland is one of dozens of cities and towns that are operating similar schemes.

Chief Operating Officer at Zwings, Stephen Bee said:

"Zwings are excited to launch our e-scooters in such a vibrant city as Sunderland. We aim to enable more people to switch away from car usage and towards a smaller form of transport with lower carbon emissions.

"The e-scooter scheme in Sunderland will be designed with the scheme users and the wider community in mind and delivered in partnership with Sunderland City Council."

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