Newcastle e-scooter riders face breathalysers and reaction tests over Christmas due to 'party city' reputation

E-scooter firm Neuron has announced that riders now have to pass an app-based reaction test before hiring one of the orange vehicles between 9pm and 4am over the festive period on Tyneside.

The company is also sending out safety ambassadors equipped with “educational” breathalysers at some of the city’s busiest night-time spots throughout December.

On Monday, 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 on Monday that the “vast majority” of Geordies would enjoy the Christmas festivities responsibly.

Mehmet Can Isiklaril, Head of UK for Neuron Mobility, said: “Newcastle is one of the UK’s great party cities and that energy is part of what makes it so special. But alcohol and e-scooters don’t mix. Riding under the influence is dangerous and illegal, and it can have serious consequences, including bans and the risk of losing a driving licence. Our reaction test is there to give riders a pause for thought before a trip even starts, and our teams will be out in the city reminding people to plan a safe way home during the festive season.”

The two-wheeled electric vehicles, which can travel up to 15mph, have been in Newcastle since February 2021.

Their trial period in the city has been extended multiple times and currently runs until May 31, 2026.

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 Neuron’s app are temporarily locked out of the service, preventing them from hiring a scooter.

A spokesperson for Newcastle City Council said: “Newcastle has a thriving nightlife which the vast majority of people enjoy in a safe and responsible manner.

“We work closely with our partners in the police and the hospitality sector to ensure that Newcastle is a safe city where people can enjoy their festive celebrations and get home safely at the end of the night.

“We welcome additional measures from Neuron to support these efforts over the festive season.”

The city council had previously requested a series of changes to the Neuron hire scheme, including an alert system for vehicles left outside designated parking areas and penalties for “inconsiderate” parking.

Worries have previously 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.