Initially introduced through a successful 12-month trial, the licensing for Neuron's e-scooters was extended for an additional two years. However, with the impending conclusion of the license in May 2024, speculation abounds regarding the potential relocation of the scooters away from the city. Yet, as May arrives, updates on the situation remain elusive.
For many months, these vibrant orange vehicles served as safe, fast, and relatively affordable means of transportation. They were reliable, well-maintained and their widespread availability made them the most convenient of navigating the city centre and its environs. And many people, including myself, grew accustomed to relying on them. However, as is often the case, when care for an item diminishes, so does the item itself.
Based on my own personal experiences and the experiences of fellow drivers, the shift in the e-scooter operation has been palpable. Unfortunately, the Neuron’s quick hire service has now become a source of disappointment and late arrivals. Malfunctioning vehicles have become increasingly common, with users encountering red icons indicating technical issues upon paying a fee to unlock them.
In recent months, the situation has escalated. Daily struggles with broken e-scooters have become the norm, with frustrated users resorting to email correspondence with customer service to report the malfunctioning vehicles. Adding to the frustration, recent changes in riding pass prices have left many feeling short-changed, exacerbating the already strained relationship between users and the service provider.
Adam Bolom scooter driver – “Lately I noticed that when I am driving the scooters the brakes don’t work as they should, but mainly I can see a change in the fact that the working scooters are never around, and I end up walking to the uni before I actually find a scooter. And it wasn’t like that before”.
However, beyond the financial implications, safety concerns loom large. Reports of malfunctioning brakes and missing safety features paint a troubling picture of the e-scooter landscape in Newcastle. Instances of vandalism further compound the issue of these once beloved vehicles, with helmets found dangling from trees and scooters abandoned for days in bushes.
While acknowledging the role of user behaviour in exacerbating the situation, many express disappointments in the lack of effort from Neuron to address these issues. With maintenance services dwindling in reliability, the safety of e-scooter users is at risk.
Meryl Wakeman resident of Newcastle – “I don’t think I would ever get on one of the scooters, I just don’t think I would be safe at all. On the other hand, in the evenings, it makes it easier for students to get out and about, they don’t need to get taxis and it seems to be popular among young people […] But I do worry about that kind of attitude of the drivers themselves and also of the drivers around them.”
While I appreciate the responsiveness of Neuron's customer service team when I report scooter issues, receiving discounts on future trips, I remain concerned about the frequency of these incidents. Confidence in the reliability and safety of the scooters is paramount for users like myself.
As the debate over the potential departure of Neuron scooters from Newcastle rages on, one thing remains clear: the need for accountability and action. Whether the scooters remain a fixture of the city's streets or fade into memory, the responsibility lies with both Neuron and the City Council to ensure the safety and satisfaction of residents. Until then, the fate of Newcastle's e-scooters hangs in limbo.