[ad_1]
Sunderland City Council found that 42 percent of riders said the scooters had encouraged them to use their cars less. In March, 300 of the electric-powered vehicles were made available to hire as part of an eight-month trial.
She said: “The evidence gathered 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 the city and the UK.
“Government ministers have approved an extension of the current e-scooter trials from November 30, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
“The guiding principle for this change is trial continuation rather than expansion or market development.”
Whilst the scheme has provided numerous benefits to the city, there have been 45 complaints.
In March, six students were banned from the road for being over the legal alcohol limit whilst riding e-scooters in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Similar schemes have been running around the UK with many different scooter operators looking to legalise them for general use in the UK.
Last week, Birmingham’s e-scooter trial was extended until March 2022 as supporters of the scheme say their use helps improve air quality.
Many on social media have been critical of the scheme, including Twitter user Simon, who said: “Sorry but those e-scooters across Sunderland are a nightmare.
“They get driven on the pavement by kids, people with no balance and adults with bairns on board and then get dumped on pavement at ‘hubs’.
“I guess we’ll have to wait until people get hurt.
“If they drove on the roads it would be better because then only the rider will get hurt.”
[ad_2]
