Regional e-scooter trial extension gets the thumbs up from green mobility enthusiasts and time poor commuters

WITH over 30 local authorities across the UK weighing up the opportunity to extend and scale up their electric scooter trials following an announcement by the Department of Transport, new research from TTC, the trusted training and compliance expert, suggests that consumer appetite for riding e-scooters for personal and business use is on the rise.[i] Over 50% of those surveyed said they would consider an e-scooter as an alternative mode of local transport.

Sustainability and environmental benefits were the main reasons respondents would like to use e-scooters, with 1 in 3 placing this as the most important factor in the decision. Avoiding traffic was the second most common reason, followed by saving time.

Alongside announcing new regulations that enable local authorities to request changes to the geography and fleet size of their e-scooter trials, the Government also issued guidance on purchasing, charging and using e-scooters. However, TTC's survey suggests that not enough emphasis is being placed on ensuring riders of rental scooters have the right skills and road safety knowledge to benefit from their availability.

One in 2 consumers expressed skills and safety concerns and 1 in 4 respondents said they would only consider using an e-scooter locally if they received road safety training. Furthermore, 19% would only scoot if they could use dedicated lanes; like cycle lanes. Most respondents (89%) felt e-scooter riders should be required to complete an assessment similar to the cycling proficiency test before being able to rent a scooter to ride on the road.

Jim Kirkwood, CEO of TTC commented:- "E-scooters provide a great way to get around towns and cities without relying on crowded public transport or polluting cars. However, many people are put off from taking advantage of rental schemes because they do not feel ready or safe to scoot on the road. With interest growing, a lack of experience and knowledge is a simple roadblock to remove via dedicated training that boosts rider confidence. Courses are readily available to support individuals in gaining the skills and knowledge required to ride safely and confidently on the road. Local authorities and businesses can offer these courses to increase the use of zero emissions mobility for local journeys without putting personal and business use riders at risk. While local authority trials continue across the UK, we hope to see consideration given to implementing an e-scooter proficiency test or mandatory training course for new e-scooter riders. This could boost take up by giving riders confidence, whilst keeping all road users safe."

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SCIS Group Launches Recruitment Drive to Boost Liverpool's Energy Efficiency Sector

SCIS Group, a leading provider of energy efficiency services, has announced the launch of an extensive recruitment campaign aimed at bolstering its workforce to support the delivery of its expanding operations, particularly in Liverpool.

With a vision to become to UK's largest energy efficiency installer, SCIS Group is actively seeking talented individuals to join its team and contribute to the growth of the energy efficiency sector in Liverpool and beyond.

The company's recruitment drive in Liverpool is part of its broader initiative to triple its existing leadership and operative positions, encompassing roles such as insulation supervisors, technical monitoring inspectors, and administrator managers.

In Liverpool, SCIS Group is looking to hire 24 installers (renewable engineers/technicians/insulation installers) to form 12 teams, further enhancing its presence and capacity to deliver energy efficiency solutions in Liverpool.

SCIS Group is actively working with energy suppliers from the Big 6 and has secured multimillion-pound funding for thousands of homes across Liverpool and nationwide eligible for energy efficiency improvements under the Great British Insulation Scheme.

Homes in Liverpool also stand to benefit from the Government's Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), an energy efficiency scheme designed to provide grants to fund energy-efficient upgrades. These upgrades not only reduce carbon emissions but also help lower electricity consumption and energy bills for Liverpool residents.

The recruitment drive offers individuals a chance to join a dynamic and fast-growing organisation with ample opportunities for career advancement and development. SCIS Group provides comprehensive training and development programmes, including qualifications in ACOPS and NVQ Level 3 in cavity wall insulation. Employees also enjoy a range of benefits, including comprehensive remuneration packages and bonuses, a company pension scheme, life insurance, and opportunities for career progression and development within a rapidly expanding organisation.

Nic Gillanders, CEO, SCIS Group, comments:- "We are excited to launch this recruitment drive as part of our growth strategy in Liverpool. By investing in talent and expertise, we can play a significant role in advancing energy efficiency initiatives and helping to create a more sustainable future for Liverpool and its residents. We expect 2024 to be a record year for SCIS Group in Liverpool, with better developed funded schemes and a focus on new customer segments, including customers who will privately finance their home energy efficiency improvements."

SCIS is also interested in exploring partnership opportunities with Trustmark-accredited companies in Liverpool to fulfil its projected install forecasts and further contribute to the Region's energy efficiency goals.

For more information about SCIS Group, visit:- SCISLtd.Co.UK.