Pay as you go: ‘Shared e-scooter’ scheme launched to cut carbon footprint

A new shared e-scooter scheme – claimed to be the first in London – is being piloted by eco transport company, HumanForest.

The project is targeted at delivery scooter riders with the aim of giving flexible access to sustainable transport, reducing carbon emissions in the process.

“The first shared and truly green eMoped scheme gives Londoners another tool to improve air quality and cut carbon,” HumanForest’s Agustin Guilisasti said.

“As petrol prices reach record-highs, this is a timely launch for businesses to embrace sustainable transport through a shared service with maximum flexibility. We are excited to welcome this new type of user into our community.”

HumanForest were founded in London in 2020, initially to launch a shared ‘eBicycle’ scheme. The new scheme is similar, but this time aimed initially purely at London delivery riders who predominantly use petrol scooters such as the Honda PCX125 and Yamaha NMAX 125.

The trial consists initially of 100 vehicles, expanding to 200 through the year, which will be rented by business delivery riders across London. The specially-kitted eScoots are Chinese-built, twin-battery, 125cc equivalent machines with a claimed 70-mile range, USB charger, GPS tracker and alarm, phone holder plus a topbox which holds a HumanForest helmet.

Users, have to upload their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate or driving licence to the HumanForest App to be verified before use.

Every registered user is given five minutes free per day with rides costing 20p per minute thereafter. Riders can then buy minute bundles, allowing them to ride from £1.50 per hour. Users will also be charged per kilometre ridden.

Users do not have to pay for charging, the fleet of bikes is maintained by a mobile HumanForest team and the company say the hope is to help businesses and riders switch to more environmentally-friendly transport and thus reduce carbon dioxide emissions.