Shared Transport – E Scooters – The rules

Ginger Scooters Outside Chester Station

What is "Shared Transport"
A nation of car and bike owners may find this an alien concept, but more and more people around the world are getting about using shared transport: Renting a mode of transport for a day trip or to make single journeys.  There are various shared transport schemes such as Electric car schemes, City rental bike scheme or the more recent Rental E-Scooter Scheme.

The big idea is to reduce congestion and the need for parking by using public transport such as busses and trains to get into the city and then hire an E Scooter or bike to get about within the city. E Scooters are much quicker than walking and are very convenient and easy to use, but there are rules that we need to be aware of before using them.

There are rental scooters available all over Chester; at the Bus Interchange, Train Station, Parade Shops. Sandy Lane. The Groves, near Queens Park bridge, Sealand Road .. the Rental Scooter app and the CWaC link below will show where parked scooters can be picked up .

What are e-scooters?
'Powered Transporters'. is the official term the government uses to describe a variety of emerging personal transport devices powered by a motor".

Under UK law they are subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to vehicles like cars and motorbikes. Before you think of buying your own.. think twice;It is not legal to ride an e-scooter on the road unless it's part of a government trial.

One could be forgiven for assuming that the rules for E Scooters are the same as for Bicycles but this is not the case: It is illegal to ride a privately owned scooter in public. You could face a fine, get penalty points on your licence and the e-scooter could be impounded.

North West E-Scooter trials: 
* Chester
* Liverpool
* Salford
* Rochdale

Click on this LINK to see details of the trial in Chester.

The main rules you need to know:

• Users must sign up using a registered app. The scooters can only be used within certain hours and zones.
• Trial e-scooters are limited 15.5 mph. In some areas e-scooters may be limited to a lower speed.
• Trial e-scooters can be used on the road (except motorways) and in cycle lanes.
• E-scooters are prohibited on the pavement (unless parking).
• A Drivers Licence is needed to use them. (A minimum of a full or provisional UK licence for categories AM, A or B). When you sign up to the apps, you must prove that you have by a valid licence by taking pictures of both sides.
• Overseas driving licence holders can use an e-scooter if they have a valid full licence from an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country, as long as it allows you to drive low-speed mopeds and motorbikes. ora valid full licence from another country that entitles you to drive a small vehicle and the licence holder entered the UK within the last 12 months.
• Parking: E Scooters must only be parked on pavements, not on the road. You can be fined if you leave them on the floor or in "no parking zones." Check the app or rental provider before parking, you may be chargedmore if you don't leavethe scooter in a designated parking area.
• E-scooters should be used by one person at a time, the registered person on the app.
• Mobile phones must not be used while riding an e scooter, however you can use a screen to display navigation information but it must be set up before setting off.
• Bags or other small items you are carrying must not cause a danger to you or others around you.
• You should not ride while intoxicated. You may be prosecuted under drink or drug driving laws as careless and dangerous driving offences also apply to users of e-scooters.

Astonishingly, Helmets are not a legal requirement, but the government recommends that you wear one when riding electric scooters.
High vis clothing or light-coloured clothing is recommended so other people on the roads can clearly see you , day or night

Ginger work in partnership with local businesses to store and charge their scooters. in Chester,  Dandy's Nationwide Landscape Supplies Ltd, provide secure storage, solar panels and Tesla battery charging facilities to power and recharge Gingers e-scooter fleet in Chester.

Ginger offer a free ride if you take their short online training course and  have a simple guide to using the scooters on their website:
1. Download the GINGER SHARED TRANSPORT app
2. Click START RIDE & scan the scooter's QR code to unlock
3. Push off, then gently use the accelerator to keep going
4. Use the brakes to slow down or stop
5. Ride safely with both feet firmly on the scooter, & wear a helmet!
6. Remember, be courteous & follow the rules of the road
7. When you want to click END RIDE, make sure you're in a spot marked 'P'

Ed: Nice way to reduce congestion – but for health, I'd prefer to walk or cycle