An e-scooter scheme in Sunderland will be stopped due to vandalism - just four months after launching.
Zwings took over the running of the Government's e-scooter trial in the city at the end of last year after Neuron decided not to renew its contract.
The launch of the new blue scooters was delayed until January 5 due to wintry conditions - but the firm says vandalism has been higher than expected and resulted in significant financial losses and has put the safety of its riders at risk.
Operations will reduce from April 19 and the contract will end on May 5.
Stephen Bee, chief operating officer at Zwings, said: "We are deeply disappointed to be leaving Sunderland. The City Council has shown great support for our e-scooter service throughout.
"I would like to thank Sunderland City Council for their support and input for the re-launch of the e-scooter trial. Sadly, we are unable to bear the costs of vandalism and operate a financially sustainable operation.
"We will be communicating fully to our riders and will be reimbursing any outstanding passes or credits. This will not affect our operations in any other UK cities, which will continue as normal.”
Initially, 100 e-scooters were deployed in more than 100 parking bays across the city with the number of vehicles expected to increase further during 2023.
Currently, the only way you can legally ride an electric scooter in the UK is by hiring one through the Department for Transport trials in cities across the country, which is what the Zwings' launch is part of, along with Newcastle's Neuron scooters - which will remain in the city until at least May 2024.
Users must use an app to unlock the scooters, which cost 60p to unlock then 23p per minute - while there are also subscription packages for regular users.
Zwings says it will work with Sunderland City Council to ensure a smooth transition for customers and residents.
Peter McIntyre, who is Sunderland City Council's executive director of city development, said: “It’s regrettable that a minority of people have been unable to respect or treat e-scooters correctly and so they have spoilt this opportunity to continue the service. We would like to thank Zwings for their work this year and we respect their decision.
"As a council we remain very much committed to introducing and ensuring there’s new and more sustainable low-carbon travel choices for all residents and visitors to our city. And, we will continue to explore other options in terms of e-scooters as this mode of sustainable travel develops on a national basis."
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