In the 21st century, electric scooters have become a popular mode of transportation in cities worldwide. They are not just a convenient means of commuting but also a symbol of urban sustainability and eco-friendliness. Compact and environmentally friendly, electric scooters provide an alternative to traditional transportation in Manchester. Over the years, rental companies have attracted millions of users by offering accessibility, convenience, and a way to avoid traffic congestion. Read more about the development of electric scooter rentals in Manchester on manchester-future.
The First Electric Scooters on Manchester Streets
Surprisingly, scooters are not a modern innovation. Their origins trace back to the early 20th century when, in 1913, Henry C. Wills invented the “Autoped,” a motorized scooter featuring a small engine placed between two wheels. However, this costly invention did not gain much traction at the time. It wasn’t until the early 21st century that the world recognized the importance of transitioning to eco-friendly modes of transport, including scooters, as the global environmental crisis became more evident.
Manchester was no exception to this trend. Starting in the 2000s, the city began introducing eco-friendly transportation options. Among the pioneers was Swifty, a local company that launched in 2010. Swifty brought innovative electric scooters to Manchester’s market, offering clean, accessible, and fun short-distance travel solutions. The story began with founder Jason Iftakhar designing and building the world’s first premium adult folding scooter, the “SwiftyONE MK1.”
In addition to private initiatives, Manchester’s local government implemented a strategy to reduce carbon emissions. Known for its industrial heritage, the city aimed to lead the way in sustainable urban living. These efforts culminated in the introduction of electric scooter rentals as a compact and green alternative to traditional public transport.
Implementation and Growth of Green Transport in Manchester
The introduction of electric scooter rentals in Manchester was a well-planned initiative. The local government, alongside transport companies, conducted extensive planning, consultations, and pilot programs. These programs primarily aimed to gauge public interest in using scooters as a green transportation option.
One milestone in this journey was the launch of a trial rental program in 2020. Test scooters were introduced in specific areas to evaluate their viability as an alternative transport option and their safety and effectiveness. For residents, this was an opportunity to familiarize themselves with an innovative means of travel. For urban planners and policymakers, it was a chance to study how scooters interacted with Manchester’s existing traffic, pedestrian flow, and public transport networks. The insights gained from this trial were invaluable for the full-scale launch of scooter rentals in the city.
How Electric Scooter Rentals Work in Manchester
Initially, rental stations were available only in select areas. Over time, the network expanded, covering more neighborhoods by 2024.
Electric scooters became an integral part of life for Manchester residents, enabling commutes to work, university trips, leisure rides, or meetings.
Steps to Rent an Electric Scooter in Manchester:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Hold a valid driver’s license (categories Q or P/M).
- Create an account with a rental company.
- Wear a helmet.
- Follow the app’s usage instructions after unlocking.
- Stick to bike lanes, avoid sidewalks, and stay clear of pedestrians.
Rental costs range from 15 to 20 pence per minute.
As the electric scooter network expanded, city authorities recognized the significant role scooters could play in Manchester’s transport ecosystem. Data collected during the trial period revealed that electric scooters were not only popular but also effective in reducing short car trips, contributing to the city’s carbon reduction goals. These findings led to the formal introduction of a rental program. By the 2020s, scooter rentals became accessible in a growing number of areas, with an increasing number of scooters available for public use.