'Party city' e-scooter users face drink-ride tests
Graham Robson/GeographE-scooter riders in a "party city" will have to pass in-app reaction tests over the festive period.
Operator Neuron said people in Newcastle will have to take the test before hiring one of the orange vehicles between 21:00 and 04:00 GMT.
The company is also sending out safety ambassadors equipped with "educational" breathalysers at some of the city's busiest night-time spots throughout December.
It said that Newcastle's reputation for "long nights out and enthusiastic drinking" had triggered the extra safety measures.
Newcastle City Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the "vast majority" of people would enjoy the Christmas festivities responsibly.
Mehmet Can Isiklaril, head of UK for Neuron Mobility, said the reaction test would give riders "a pause for thought" before the start of a trip.
"Newcastle is one of the UK's great party cities and that energy is part of what makes it so special," he said.
"But alcohol and e-scooters don't mix."
The two-wheeled electric vehicles, which can travel up to 15mph (24kmh), have been in Newcastle since February 2021.
Their trial period has been extended multiple times and currently runs until 31 May.
'Locked out'
Launching its Festive ScootSafe campaign, Neuron cited the North East as having higher-than-average rates of drinking – especially over Christmas.
People who fail the cognitive test in its app are temporarily locked out of the service, preventing them from hiring a scooter.
NCJ MediaNewcastle City Council said it welcomed the additional measures.
"Newcastle has a thriving nightlife which the vast majority of people enjoy in a safe and responsible manner," a spokesperson added.
The Labour-led city council previously requested a series of changes to the hire scheme, including an alert system for vehicles left outside designated parking areas and penalties for "inconsiderate" parking.
Worries have also been raised about the scooters "zig-zagging" down roads, people riding two to a scooter or on pavements, and under-age youngsters being spotted on them.
