Irish scooter start-up Zipp has won a contract to run e-scooter trial programmes in High Wycombe and Aylesbury.
The 12-month contract was awarded by Buckinghamshire Council, which was impressed with Zipp’s “bespoke approach”. There will be designated parking hubs to tackle street clutter and seven local jobs will be created.
The minimum age will be 16, in line with DfT recommendations; maximum speed will be 15.5mph. The trial is expected to begin in November. No details have yet been released about fleet size or pricing. These locations bring Zipp’s total to three.
Nick Naylor, cabinet member for transport at Buckinghamshire Council, said in an official statement: “Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic we’ve all experienced huge changes in our daily lives, not least in the way we travel. In addition to looking at ways to encourage more cycling and walking, the e-scooter trials bring a new dimension to short distance travel in our two main town centres. With coronavirus restrictions set to be with us for months to come, it’s vital to keep investing in our town centres and new forms of micro-transport have the potential to make a considerable contribution. That’s why we’re really looking forward to working with Zipp Mobility on this innovative trial.”
“I’m really excited that Buckinghamshire is part of this national trial and is helping influence future policy making in this area,” said Aylesbury cycling champion Clive Harriss in the release. “As well as offering an alternative to cycling or walking, we expect scooters to come into their own particularly for those shorter urban trips in town centres.”
