Colchester’s e-scooter trial is helping create less journeys by car, according to new research by the company running the scheme.

According to survey data from Spin, the micromobility unit of Ford Motor Company which is running the trial, 82% cof riders had opted to use an e-scooter instead of driving alone at least once.

If the e-scooters were not available, 31% of the 519 Essex respondents said they would have used a car for their most recent trip, reports the Gazette in Essex.

Almost half, or 44%, of riders said they used an e-scooter to connect with public transport at least once with 86% saying the vehicles felt safer than traditional public transport during the pandemic. According to the survey, 38% of users had used an e-scooter rather than walking their journey.

The e-scooters are part of Essex County Council’s Safer, Greener, Healthier campaign, which is aiming to boost sustainable transport use across the county.

Spin operates more than 500 of the vehicles in Colchester, with the trial first launching in February. Results from the survey will be fed into the analysis of the trial scheme and help decide whether it continues.

Councillor Lee Scott, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance and Sustainable Transport, said: “These figures released from Spin are encouraging, suggesting e-scooter travel in the trial areas is replacing car journeys, supporting our overall ambition to make Essex safer, greener and healthier.

“This e-scooter trial is just one initiative of our campaign to promote active travel – a consultation launched last week gives all residents of Essex an opportunity to comment on our latest proposals to encourage cycling and walking in the county.”