Economic impact of E-scooters in Newcastle revealed

New research from leading e-scooter operator Neuron Mobility has highlighted the economic benefits rental e-scooters are having on towns and cities in the UK. During their trips, Neuron riders cumulatively spend £8.9m a year in Newcastle, and £14.9m a year across the three locations where Neuron operates in the UK, including Newcastle, Slough and Sunderland.

According to the findings, each e-scooter contributes £11,900 to Newcastle’s economy a year. For the first time, the research goes deeper to determine that 47 per cent of riders spent more than £10 on their most recent trip, with an average of £17.80 per trip.

Riders were asked where they spend money during their e-scooter trips, 37 per cent of riders said they made purchases at shopping venues, 35 per cent at a restaurant, bar or cafe, and 17 per cent at a recreational venue like the gym or a local event.

The data comes from a newly launched Prosperity Report 2022 (UK) from the operator titled Shared Rides, Shared Wealth, which outlines the positive impact rental e-scooter schemes are having on local prosperity in the UK. In fact, the vast majority of riders surveyed in Newcastle (97 per cent) believe Neuron has benefited their city and also improved mobility, air quality and congestion.

Most riders in Newcastle said they used e-scooters for leisure and recreation (62 per cent), while many also made purposeful journeys like commuting to work or school (40 per cent), running errands such as shopping (28 per cent) and getting to appointments (20 per cent).

The e-scooters are having a tangible impact on economic activity, with 38 per cent of trips in Newcastle starting and ending within a core section of Newcastle’s central shopping district, Northumberland Street, Percy Street and Blackett Street.

The report also considered how rental e-scooters have helped to make cities more liveable and attractive to inward investment. In Newcastle, e-scooters are proving to be an essential part of the transport mix, serving as a first- and last-mile solution to fill gaps in the city’s wider public transport network. By running 24/7, they are also helping to boost the night-time economy and support night-shift workers.

Another key area where e-scooters are supporting local economies is through working with local business networks to enhance visitor experiences and improve access to key tourist and leisure destinations.

In Newcastle, Neuron has been working closely with the organisers of large-scale events such as Northern Pride and the Great North Run to anticipate and manage crowds. These events can result in spikes in demand of up to 76 per cent, so proper planning is key to ensuring thousands of people can get to the venues without taking their cars and helping minimise disruption to the wider community.

Cormac Quinn, UK regional manager at Neuron Mobility said: “Our vision has always been to partner with cities to help them build a more prosperous and sustainable future. We’re heartened that our new report clearly demonstrates we’re on the right track. The data shows our e-scooters are helping to boost Newcastle’s economy and revive local high streets, which is certainly welcome, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

John McCabe, CEO of the North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “Thankfully, as the effects of the pandemic subside, Neuron’s e-scooters continue to contribute to the local economy. This has been especially apparent as large-scale events and their associated visitors have returned to the city.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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