E-scooter trial extended despite 'concerns'

The e-scooters have operated in Newcastle since 2021

E-scooters are set to remain in a city until 2026 after the council requested a series of changes the scheme.

Newcastle City Council has agreed to keep the orange Neuron scooters on Tyneside, with the operator saying they had racked up almost one and a half million miles since the trial launched in February 2021.

The council initially gave Neuron a three-month extension from its previous end date in May so the company could "demonstrate further control measures" following "operational concerns" aired by councillors.

The e-scooter company claimed the trial was worth up to £8.9m annually to the city's economy and had saved about 150 tonnes of CO2 emissions to date.

As part of the agreement, city bosses requested a review into Neuron's designated scooter parking areas, the creation of an alert system for vehicles left outside of those zones and penalties for "inconsiderate" parking.

Worries were raised about the scooters "zig-zagging" down roads, underage riders and people riding two to a scooter or on pavements.

'Further review'

A spokesperson for Newcastle City Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We are continually working with Neuron to look at ways in which the trial can be improved to ensure it meets the needs of our residents and this will include a further review into parking arrangements."

Neuron's trial was originally meant to last 12 months but has been extended several times, with the scooters' ride area expanded to cover areas including Heaton and Ouseburn.

Richard Hannah, the firm's head of global operations, said the e-scooters had "become an integral part of the city's transport mix".

"We are delighted to continue the service in the city and we thank our loyal riders as well as the council for their trust and support," he added.