E-scooter firm says more than 80% of riders believe they have made a positive impact on Sunderland

Since launching across the region in March this year, Neuron’s e-scooters have clocked up over 500,000 km (310,000 miles), which is the equivalent of eliminating an estimated 27 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

A survey of 130 respondents in Sunderland revealed 86% of people say that they have made a positive impact on the city – with 54% of all trips resulting in a rider making a purchase at a local business.

It also showed that within the city, 42% of trips replaced a car journey and that 55% of users combine their e-scooter journey with another form of public transport.

The council partnered with Neuron to run a 12 month trial of the scooters in the city, however within 24 hours of the launch, people were spotted breaking the rules.

The leader of Sunderland City Council Cllr Graeme Miller, commented that it was “fantastic” to see people on Wearside using the new form of transport.

Cllr Miller said: “Since the e-scooter trial in Sunderland launched in March, we have been pleased to see a high take up from the city’s residents.

“It has been fantastic to see people opt for this new safe and sustainable mode of transport as we continue to reduce our carbon emissions as a city.

“Neuron has been an essential partner in making the scheme a success through their focus on safe riding and efforts to educate riders on responsible behaviour.

"We look forward to working with them as the trial continues.”

On Tuesday, June 22, Neuron had to issue a warning after an e-scooter was pictured by a Sunderland resident on top of a bus stop in Seaburn.

George Symes, Expansion Manager at Neuron Mobility, added: “It’s really encouraging to see how well our e-scooters have been embraced in Sunderland - and the data proves that they are helping to boost the local economy as it recovers from the effects of Covid-19.”

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