Rochdale e-scooter company launched a gift swap program in January to remind people of the differences between private and rented scooters.
Lime, which operates the e-scooter rental in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, has launched the program that allows anyone to exchange their private e-scooter for the corresponding amount for free Lime rides.
With private e-scooters becoming a popular Christmas gift, many don’t realize that the only e-scooters allowed to drive on UK roads are the ones you can rent through government-approved testing programs.
All other types of e-scooters purchased through a dealer are illegal unless they are driven on private property with the landowner’s consent.
Alan Clarke, Senior Director of Policy for UKI at Lime, said: “It is extremely promising to see so many people across the UK actively choosing more active and sustainable modes of transport, including e-scooters.
“Until private e-scooters are properly regulated, however, it is important that drivers understand the differences in the rules between them and rental scooters before trying out their new Christmas present.
“We know that retailers are not always clear about communicating both legal and security risks, so we offer our gift exchange service. In this way, consumers can continue to travel sustainably for the next year, but avoid potential driver regrets after a collision with the police. “
Private e-scooter users can be fined by the police, their e-scooters confiscated or even get points on their driver’s license if they are caught driving on public roads.
Regulated rental e-scooters have speed limits and tested braking distances due to the strict safety standards set in test programs.
Rental e-scooters are checked and serviced daily by the vendors to ensure they are in good condition and safe to drive, which can help prevent problems such as broken batteries.
In the first two weeks of January, drivers simply have to send an email with the proof of purchase for their private e-scooter between Black Friday and Christmas to rider-regret@li.me to organize the gift exchange and receive their credit.
