Safer Scooting in Sunderland

The service will transition to Zwings on 5 January. At launch, Zwings will initially deploy 100 e-scooters in more than 100 parking bays across the city. The number of e-scooters will then increase significantly in 2023. The new e-scooter launched will be Zwings' safest yet. Ride stability will improve with front fork suspension and pneumatic tyres; directional indicators to allow signalling without removing hands from handlebars; and a wireless phone holder will improve navigation for riders, so they don't have to stop for directions.

To rent a scooter, the ZWINGS Sunderland app is required. Customers can download the app at either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.  After registering users can locate the nearest scooter in the app. The unlock fee is £0.60 to unlock the scooter, each additional minute costs £0.23 (inclusive of VAT). For frequent riders, ZWINGS are also offering subscription packages that will give up to 75% off usage of the service, these can be found in the Zwings app.

Zwings, Sunderland City Council, and Northumbria Police are collaborating to promote safer riding in the trial. All riders must be over 18 and have a full or provisional driving licence to use the service. Any riders that are caught riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be permanently banned from using the service and could face imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or a driving ban for at least a year. Use of helmets for riders is encouraged. Zwings will be hosting training schools just after launch where helmets will be available for riders that attend. Any misuse of the e-scooters can be reported directly to Zwings through their web reporting form (Zwings Reporting Form).

Zwings currently operates e-scooter rental schemes in Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Yeovil. It was recently acquired by Zeus Scooters who operate in over 40 cities in the world. The combined entities have significant experience in running safe and sustainable e-scooter schemes in the UK and across the world.

Stephen Bee, Zwings Chief Operating Officer, said: "Zwings are providing the residents of Sunderland with a safe, convenient, and sustainable form of transport to travel around the city. We are looking forward to growing usage of e-scooters in Sunderland, by improving the availability and reliability of the service. Improvements to the service can encourage more people to switch away from car usage to e-scooters and other lower carbon transport moded. We are working with Sunderland City Council and Northumbria Police to ensure that misbehaviour on the e-scooters is minimised"

Councillor Claire Rowntree, Sunderland City Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for Clean Green City, said: "Newer, greener and low-carbon transport is important for all of us.

"I am delighted that we have been able to appoint Zwings so that residents and visitors can continue to safely enjoy the benefits of this low carbon travel scheme."