Riding Rules, United Kingdom

29 October 2024

Where are you riding?

Neuron sets localised Riding Rules to protect the safety of our Users and the general public.  It is important to familiarise yourself with these Rules every time you ride. Failure to comply with these Riding Rules can result in a suspension or termination of your account. 

1. RESPONSIBLE RIDING

1.1 To ride our scooters you must:

1.1.1 be at least 18 years of age;

1.1.2 be the holder of a valid:

a) full or provisional United Kingdom driving licence (categories AM, A1, A2, A and B) ;

b) full licence from an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country (so long as this does not prohibit you from driving low speed mopeds and motorcycles); or

c) full licence from another country, that can be verified by Neuron as required by the Department for Transportation, that entitles you to drive a small vehicle (eg car, moped or motorcycle) and you entered the UK within the last 12 months;

1.1.3 not be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, drugs, medication, or any other substance that may impair your ability to operate the scooter safely and in a manner that is considerate to pedestrians, cyclists and all other road and pavement users;

1.1.4 consider carefully our very strong advice to wear an approved bicycle helmet that is securely fitted at all times (unless an exemption has been granted by an appropriate authority for medical or religious reasons);

1.1.5 not use any phone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, music player, mobile electronic device or any other device that might distract you while riding;

1.1.6 not use headphones, earphones, earbuds, a headset, or other listening device while riding, or otherwise impede your ability to observe and pay attention to your surroundings;

1.1.7 be in good health;

1.1.8 not have any existing physical, mental, medical or other condition that may impair your ability to safely operate the scooter;

1.1.9 be weighted under the scooter’s weight limit of 140kg (total weight, i.e. rider and cargo);

1.1.10 wear other safety equipment as appropriate, including but not limited to covered footwear;

1.1.11 be the only rider (never allow someone else to ride your scooter);

1.1.12 not carry passengers, including but not limited to other adults, children, infants (in baby carriers or otherwise), animals including pets and service animals etc.;

1.1.13 not be carrying items weighing more than 10kg in total;

1.1.14 not be carrying items that may impede your ability to safely operate the scooter, including but not limited to bulky, oversized or imbalanced items;

1.1.15 not ride in adverse weather conditions, including but not limited to heavy rain, lightning storms, very windy conditions, storms, flooding, storm surges, haze, fog, smog, dust storms, reduced visibility conditions, hail, heavy snow, and icy conditions;

1.1.16 not use the scooter for racing, tricks, stunts, or in any other manner other than for personal transport; and

1.1.17 abide by all applicable traffic rules, and any other relevant laws and regulations (federal, state, local or otherwise).

2. STARTING AND ENDING A TRIP

2.1 Before starting a trip:

2.1.1 inspect the scooter for defects;

2.1.2 test the brakes, both mechanical and electric;

2.1.3 test the lights;

2.1.4 test the horn;

2.1.5 test the throttle;

2.1.6 consider carefully the need to wear a helmet (whether provided by Neuron or otherwise) and other personal protective equipment as necessary and as mandated in your jurisdiction; and

2.1.7 ensure that you can adopt a comfortable riding position on the scooter.

Do not use the scooter if it does not pass the above tests, or is otherwise unsuitable for operation.

2.2 When ending a trip:

2.2.1 park the scooter in a safe and responsible way, having regard for other path users;

2.2.2 park only in the designated parking areas indicated in the Neuron app;

2.2.3 deploy the kickstand;

2.2.4 return the scooter in the same condition as when you started the trip, normal wear and tear permitting;

2.2.5 if you used a helmet provided by Neuron for the trip, return the helmet to the locking mechanism fitted to the scooter and make sure it is locked securely (if this is not done you may be charged a convenience fee when you end your trip);

2.2.6 do not park the scooter in restricted public areas or in the pedestrian zone of a public footpath or pathway;

2.2.7 do not park the scooter on roads or in areas that could block public footpaths or hinder access to tactile ground surface indicators;

2.2.8 do not park the scooter within a bus zone or any other place where it could interfere with pedestrian access generally or access to public amenities;

2.2.9 do not park the scooter where it may pose a safety hazard or cause an obstruction, including in common corridors, doorways, entrances, emergency exits, stairwells, etc.;

2.2.10 do not park the scooter within restricted access private areas which will prevent other users from accessing the scooter (e.g. within a block of flats, within a commercial property, within a school compound, inside a residential property); and

2.2.11 do not park the scooter where doing so would be in breach of applicable traffic rules, and any other relevant laws and regulations.

Neuron may regard the scooter as lost or stolen if you fail to abide by the above rules.

3. DURING A TRIP

While riding in the United Kingdom:

3.1.1 always obey applicable laws and road rules;

3.1.2 do not ride in a dangerous or reckless manner, stay vigilant and keep a look out for hazards;

3.1.3 do not exceed 15.5mph or a lesser speed if required in the circumstances to stop safely to avert danger;

3.1.4 never ride on the pavement or on High-Level Bridge;

3.1.5 take note of local rules for riding on roads, cycle lanes and cycle tracks:

a) In Newcastle, you can ride on roads (which have a speed limit of 30mph or less), cycle lanes and bus lanes.

3.1.6 do not ride abreast with another scooter;

3.1.7 do not carry the scooter on public transport or onto station platforms or via public transport turnstiles;

3.1.8 ride in a safe and respectful manner and be considerate and watch out for others, especially pedestrians, and ride at a speed that does not put other road or path users at risk;

3.1.9 comply with all applicable curfews and any other riding restrictions imposed by relevant authorities or by Neuron;

3.1.10 do not cause nuisance, distraction, or inconvenience to other road or path users;

3.1.11 stick to paved surfaces at all times—do not go on grass, broken ground or other soft surfaces;

3.1.12 when approaching a crossing or intersection, slow down and be prepared to stop;

3.1.13 when at a crossing or intersection, stop and look for on-coming traffic or pedestrians before proceeding;

3.1.14 travel at a safe speed that allows you to stop safely to avoid colliding with a pedestrian, vehicle or stationary object and comply with any low-speed zones that may be enforced where you are riding;

3.1.15 travel at a safe distance from a pedestrian or vehicle so you can avoid a collision;

3.1.16 you must give way to both pedestrians and drivers of mobility devices (such a wheelchairs) at all times;

3.1.17 stay off all controlled-access roadways or expressways, freeways, motorways or highways;

3.1.18 observe all relevant local speed limits, slow down if necessary:

3.1.19 keep a look out for traffic signs, and obey them;

3.1.20 do not ride past a personal mobility devices prohibited sign or enter an area where scooters (or personal mobility devices) are prohibited;

3.1.21 keep left of oncoming bicycles and other personal mobility devices;

3.1.22 only use the bicycle side of a shared path;

3.1.23 ensure that you have adequate visibility at all times, and can be seen by fellow road users;and

3.1.24 stop riding immediately if the scooter malfunctions, the battery level is low, or the scooter cannot be ridden safely.

4. WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT

4.1 In the event of an emergency, please follow the guidance on our emergency page.

4.2 As soon as reasonably possible after any accident you should tell us through the Help or feedback functions in our App and call our accident insurance provider, Aviva, on 0800 051 6583. 

4.3 The insurer will ask a number of questions about the accident, such as when, where, and how it happened, and whether any third parties were involved. 

4.4 You should not admit any fault or make any offers or promises etc. to any third party that was involved at any time without speaking to us or the insurance company first. 

4.5 If any third parties are involved, then you must NOT RIDE AWAY. You must stop if any property has been damaged or if anyone is injured and provide your name and address and insurance details to anyone who needs it:

4.5.1 if you are an injured rider, call Aviva at 0800 051 6583 and reference policy number 100804958GPA; and

4.5.2 If you are a third party, call HDI Global SE – UK Branch at 03330 169 798 and reference policy number 201-76918832-30013.

4.6 Similarly, you should ask any other third party who is involved for a name, address, and their insurance details.

5. OTHER RESTRICTIONS

5.1 Do not retain the scooter in your possession after a trip. This includes keeping the scooter within your property.

5.2 Do not fail to pay usage or other fees and charges as they become due.

5.3 Do not convey the scooter in a vehicle or otherwise transport the scooter other than by riding it.

5.4 Do not ride or transport the scooter outside of the designated riding areas.

5.5 Do not prevent or obstruct other users from using the scooter after completing a ride (e.g. by locking the scooter with an external device).

5.6 Do not modify, disassemble, remove components, or otherwise tamper with the scooter in any way.

5.7 Do not retain possession of personal protective equipment provided by Neuron, including helmets, after completing a ride. Attach these to the scooter for use by the next rider (see also 2.2 When ending a trip) 

5.8 Do not use the scooter for commercial activities or purposes (e.g. courier, food delivery, promotional activities, rideshare) without Neuron’s prior written consent.

5.9 Neuron may regard the scooter as lost or stolen if you fail to abide by these restrictions.