E-scooters into 2022

E-scooter operator Neuron began Sunderland's rental trial at the end of March this year with 200 distinctive orange e-scooters deployed across the city. Sunderland is among dozens of cities and towns across the UK running similar trials.

Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport, Councillor Claire Rowntree said the extension was in line with allowing the Government and Department for Transport (DfT) to gather more information on how all the trials were working.

She said: "The evidence gathered in the trial will guide final decisions about whether and, if so, how to fully legalise the use of e-scooters.

"It is important that Sunderland continues to take part in the trial, as data collected will contribute to deciding the long-term vision of sustainable and active travel in Sunderland and the UK."

The council has the trial under continuous review and in the first four months there were 42,626 rides covering 107,000km (66,500 miles) and 45 complaints (0.11 per cent of ride total).

A rider survey in May found that nearly half (42 per cent) of e-scooter rides had directly displaced car journeys meaning around 12,000 fewer car trips in Sunderland.

George Symes, UK Regional Manager, Neuron Mobility, said: "By extending the trial, our e-scooters will continue to have a positive impact on the environment. Already, over 42 per cent of trips displace a car journey, which has contributed to an elimination of around 30 tonnes of CO2 in the North East.

"Neuron's e-scooters have been embraced by locals, with 86 per cent of riders believing that they have created a positive impact on the city. We are very pleased that our e-scooters can continue to offer a sustainable, socially-distanced, and safe mode of transport in Sunderland."