UPGRADED e-scooters will be introduced to Colchester’s streets next week after new operators took on the contract across Essex.

Spin, who had previously overseen the rollout of e-scooters throughout Essex last year, has since been acquired by Tier.

With e-scooters in Basildon and Chelmsford having already been superseded by new models, Colchester is next in line to receive a new fleet of vehicles which are said to be safer and more robust for use on public highways.

The scheme had been due to conclude in March this year, but has been extended by the Department for Transport until November.        

Tier’s new design of the e-scooter features a larger front wheel, wider foot plate, dual suspension, indicators, a double kick-stand and dual drum brakes for stable riding on uneven surfaces.

E-scooters have received a mixed reception since their introduction, with critics pointing out that they have contributed to an increase in serious injuries.

Statistics from Essex Police show one person died following an e-scooter related incident last year, and 80 people were injured across the county.

Read more:

• Colchester High Street: Man admits role in cannabis farm

• Colchester and Tendring rail crossings to be closed

• Colchester CrossFit community gives dad of late teenager lifeline

Others, have been keen to praise the method of transport, saying they will contribute towards lower carbon emissions and the gradual reduction in the number of cars on UK roads.

A spokeswoman for Tier said safety remains at the core of its operations and the new features added to the latest e-scooter model will reduce the number of injuries related to e-scooters.

She said: “We’ve been amazed by the usage figures since we started to deploy our latest e-scooter in Chelmsford in June with more than 10,000 rides taken across Essex.

“This just shows that there is a big appetite for green transport in the area, with residents recognising the benefits of e-scooters for air quality in Essex.”

She added the new intake of e-scooters in south Essex had gone well and that they were positive about the new models being launched in Colchester.

“We had a successful launch in Basildon this week and we look forward to being able to bring our service to Colchester on Monday," she said.