NHS workers can now benefit from free travel to work after a fleet of e-scooters arrived in Colchester.

The town is the fourth location in the UK chosen by e-scooter rental company Spin to have the two-wheels available for hire following a successful trial.

Frontline NHS staff are being offered the chance to have a go free.

As part of Spin’s Everyday Heroes programme, Colchester’s NHS workers can benefit from free 30 minute e-scooter rides to get to work and home.

The scheme started on Monday when 50 e-scooters were made available for hire in a geo-fenced area in the town, which covers the town centre and surrounding area, as well as a site close to Colchester Hospital.

The congestion busting transport is also available for members of the public needing to make essential trips.

Steve Pyer, UK country manager at Spin, said: “We’re delighted to be able to expand our support to NHS workers of Colchester.

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“While the Government urges us to stay at home, essential workers need convenient, safe, socially distanced transport modes to get to work and e-scooters provide ease of travel in a greener way.

“Safety of our riders and all road users remains our priority.

“As a reminder, riders must be 18 plus-years-old and have a provisional or full driving licence otherwise they will be riding illegally.”

Martin Goss, Colchester councillor responsible for waste, environment and transportation, added: “The Everyday Heroes scheme is a deserved benefit for hardworking local NHS workers.

“I am pleased their efforts have been recognised and would encourage them to take advantage of their free ride.”

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The scooters are dotted around Colchester, with some of the fleets available by St Mary’s car park, the hospital and the bottom of North Station Road.

The Spin app is customised to Colchester Council’s specific rules and needs to ensure the safety of all road users.

Such rules include speed restrictions, geo-fencing to enforce no riding areas and designated parking areas.

Anyone interested can go to the scooter site and follow the payment methods.

For more information on locations, visit www.spin.app/how-to-ride-in-colchester.