Buckinghamshire Metropolis Council claims e-scooter trials are “an entire success”.

Buckinghamshire Council says the program has been successful

In November 2020, Buckinghamshire Council launched annual pilot e-scooter programs in Aylesbury and High Wycombe.

In cooperation with ZippMobility, 25 e-scooters have been set up in each city, which can be rented for short trips in the region.

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Four months later, 240 e-scooters are up and running as demand has increased and both programs have started, according to Buckinghamshire Council.

The findings gathered by BCC over the past few months show:

The average journey takes around 15 to 20 minutes

The distances traveled are between one and two and a half miles

The most popular times of use are between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m.

More than 14,000 trips have been made in Aylesbury and just over 10,000 in High Wycombe.

The pilot projects were launched as a result of an initiative by the Ministry of Transport (DfT) to support environmentally friendly travel on site by testing the use of e-scooters across the country. The trial period has been accelerated as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic to provide an alternative mode of transport for the public.

The council said no “major incidents” had been reported in either Aylesbury or High Wycombe.

However, they mentioned that “work is currently underway to tackle the abuse of e-scooters, including cases where driving on sidewalks is not allowed”.

The usage rules are printed on each scooter and regular notifications are sent to users through the app.

Printed stickers with registration numbers are also affixed to the scooters for the public to report any abuse.

A total of three users in Aylesbury and four in High Wycombe were banned due to abuse.

The public was asked to provide their thoughts on the program and although the council admitted they had “a general mix of positive and negative comments”, most of them were negative.

The public has often been skeptical of the program’s value. The majority said it was a waste of money and also complained about the cost of hiring the scooters.

Also, some don’t like the obstruction of the sidewalk where parking is located.

The positive comments focus on the program, which is a great alternative to getting around, and the way Zipp dealt with problems and ailments quickly and effectively.

Ian Thompson, Corporate Director for Planning, Growth and Sustainability, said, “We are delighted that our test e-scooter programs have been so well received in both Aylesbury and High Wycombe.

“Our studies show that despite some minor incidents and negative comments that are to be expected, the programs in both areas have been received very positively. Residents are discovering that e-scooters offer a new, easy and alternative way to get around the city getting around Going to the stores, going to work and back, or going home after an evening out.

“There is still a long way to go before we know if e-scooters should become an integral part of our cities, but it is fantastic to be part of this national pilot project that is exploring alternative and greener modes of transport. And ours will feed on this for longer Strive to improve Buckinghamshire air quality and reduce carbon emissions. “