New e-scooter scheme provider Zipp Mobility to hold launch event in Slough

The new provider of an e-scooter scheme in Slough will be hosting a launch event for residents this week.

Taking place outside Slough Railway Station on the large section of pavement close to Tesco, five scooters will be available to try for 10-minute slots on Tuesday, May 28 from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Before attending new provider Zipp Mobility’s event, users will need to download the Zipp app, create an account and register with their driving licence.

At the launch, residents will be able to find out how the scooters work, learn about their safety features, ask questions and give them a try.

In compliance with government regulations, the scooters have a top speed of 15.5mph and although no helmets come with the scooters, riders are encouraged to wear their own.

To prevent those underage from using the scooters, riders need to verify their age and identity during the sign-up process by providing a driver’s licence and a photo.  

The Zipp team will also regularly monitor for any misuse of the scooters and will have field technicians maintaining the fleet daily as well as having tracking processes to identify misuse.

The cost to hire will be £1 to unlock a scooter and then 20p for each minute of the journey.

Regular users will also be able to obtain daily and weekly passes.

The scooters need to be returned to designated bays and if this is not done, the journey will be classed as ongoing and charges will continue until it is returned to an approved bay.

Savio DeCruz, AD operations, regeneration, housing and environment, said: “These e-scooters and e-bikes will provide another method of travel for residents.

“The aim is to have them spread throughout Slough so people can easily access them.

“The sign-up process is simple, and the app displays real-time availability of scooters in your area and provides essential safety rules and guidelines for riding.

“Please be mindful of other road users and do not ride scooters on the pavements.”

Up to 300 scooters will be distributed across Slough for rental and there will initially be 60 parking bays which will be clearly marked with a painted square and shown on the Zipp app.

The scooters have ‘always on’ lights to boost visibility and are bright yellow with brake lights and a horn.

The Zipp scooters are covered by third-party motor vehicle insurance and riders are covered under Rider Liability Insurance, protecting them against damages to third parties.

Riders are also covered under Zipp’s Personal Accident insurance.

Upon renting an e-scooter, a rider has to follow the same rules as driving a car.

It is against the law to use the service under the influence of alcohol or drugs and users cannot ride on pavements or footpaths.

A scooter can only be ridden by one person at a time and people cannot rent a scooter on behalf of someone underage.

Reports of misconduct will be taken seriously and Zipp might impose penalties or suspend accounts for those found in violation of their terms of service.

Residents began seeing the scooters in their bays from Wednesday, May 22, ahead of the official launch.