Spin, the micromobility unit of Ford Motor Company, has launched its first UK e-scooter fleet for public hire in Milton Keynes.
Hundreds of scooters are now available across the town and five lucky listeners are in for the chance to win a month’s worth of free Spin e-scooter rides.
As part of the Department of Transport’s (DfT) national e-scooter trials, Milton Keynes Council is one of the first to embrace this new transport mode to meet the demands of local residents for more convenient, modern and green modes of travel.
Felix Petersen, Head of Spin Europe said: “We’re excited to launch our first UK fleet of e-scooters in Milton Keynes and wish every entrant the best of luck. Electric scooters are a great reliable, inexpensive and accessible mode of transport that will provide Milton Keynes residents with a greener alternative to cars and public transport.”
To be in with a chance to win, listen to the Drivetime show with Mikey Faulkner, Monday 24th August to Friday 28th August. His new feature, Mikey’s Mile’s, will ask listeners to guess how many miles there are between two locations and the listener that guesses the correctly — or is closest — each day will win free rides with Spin #ridespin #ridethemoment.
New riders must view a comprehensive set of rules and instructions before they can take their first ride and the Spin App is customised for Milton Keynes’ specific rules and needs – download it now.
The Government has proposed to regulate rental e-scooter trials as similarly as possible to electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs). E-scooters have a similar road presence to EAPCs and cycles, according to Government guidance, as they are of a similar size and similar visibility.
However, during the trial, e-scooters will continue to be classed as motor vehicles. This means that requirements to have insurance and a provisional driver’s licence will apply, and users must be age 18 or over. Following the trials, the Government may look to amend the law to treat e-scooters more like EAPCs meaning there will be fewer restrictions.
E-scooters can be used on MK’s 250km of Redways, as well as on minor estate roads (30mph limit or less). A system is being developed that ‘geofences’ the e-scooters and stops them from being used on area where they are not permitted and roads where the speed limit is over 30mph, according to Milton Keynes Council.
The company behind Mikey's Miles, Spin, also hosts Spin Safe safety events and partners with local businesses on promotional events to support local initiatives, so watch this space for more.
Click here to find out more about the Government's guidance on rental e-scooters. You can also read a full press release by Milton Keynes Council by clicking here.
