City of York Council

Equalities Impact Assessment

Who is submitting the proposal?

Directorate:		Economy and Place
Service Area:		Smart Transport
Name of the proposal :		E-scooter and E-bike trial
Lead officer:		Dave Atkinson
Date assessment completed:		22.03.2021
Names of those who contributed to the assessment :
Name	Job title		Organisation	Area of expertise
Lucy Atkinson	Sustainability Project Manager		City of York Council	E-scooter and E-bike trial Project Manager
Jessica Hall	York City Manager		TIER	E-scooter and E-bike City Manager

Step 1 – Aims and intended outcomes 

1.1

What is the purpose of the proposal? Please explain your proposal in Plain English avoiding acronyms and jargon.

The e-scooter and e-bike (micro-mobility) trial will provide e-scooters and e-bikes for short-term hire in York. The main objectives are to: - Deliver a sustainable travel alternative to residents and visitors to York by providing access to shared e-scooters and e-bikes; - Support reopening of the city centre and reduce the need for car travel - Support reduced capacity of buses due to COVID-19 measures; - Support reopening of York’s universities and colleges.

1.2	Are there any external considerations? (Legislation/government directive/codes of practice etc.)
	The York trial of e-scooters and e-bikes is part of a national trail led by the Department for Transport. The trials are initially for a 12 month period.

1.3

Who are the stakeholders and what are their interests?

The City of York Council have partnered with the University of York and York Hospital as part of the trial. University of York and York St John’s University – interest in supporting student and staff travel York’s colleges (as trial expands to these areas) York Hospital – supporting staff and patient travel City of York Council – supporting sustainable travel options around the city Thomas Pocklington Trust, My Sight York, Wilberforce Trust – ensuring safety for the visually impaired community York Disability Rights Forum – ensuring equal access and safety for those with disabilities who live or work in York.  North Yorkshire Police – ensuring safety for users and non-users of the e-scooter service

1.4

What results/outcomes do we want to achieve and for whom?  This section should explain what outcomes you want to achieve for service users, staff and/or the wider community. Demonstrate how the proposal links to the Council Plan (2019- 2023) and other corporate strategies and plans.

The e-scooter and e-bike trial aims to support a ‘green’ restart of local travel and to help mitigate the impact of reduced public transport capacity from COVID, as outlined by the Department for Transport.  The multi-mobility proposal for e-scooters and e-bikes contribute to support COVID response and contribute to the City of York’s local objectives, including; · the council’s ambition to create a people-focused city centre; · the council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030; · the council’s history of delivery and ambition for sustainable travel, including provision of on-demand and shared transport; · the council’s plans for addressing air quality, including through modal shift; · the introduction of the UK’s first voluntary clean air zone in January 2020, initially targeting buses that frequently pass through the city; · the adoption of our Public EV Charging Strategy in March 2020 to expand EV charging infrastructure; · the council’s ambition to be a leader in intelligent transport systems (STEP), connected and autonomous mobility and future mobility; · COVID-19 response and providing safe sustainable alternatives to support public transport. · For York in the short-term, e-scooters and e-bikes support sustainable transport measures as the city centre, businesses and the universities re-open following COVID restrictions. Adherence to social distancing has led to reduced bus capacity, with usage also low. Car use is being promoted as a safe form of travel, alongside active travel (walking and cycling). E-scooters and e-bikes provide an alternative option to car use into and around the city centre, supporting commuter travel. The e-scooter and e-bike contributes to ‘getting around sustainably’ and ‘a greener and cleaner city’ through provision of a sustainable, shared transport option for visitors and residents. TIER who are providing the service in York are also a climate-neutral e-scooter operator.

Step 2 – Gathering the information and feedback 

2.1	What sources of data, evidence and consultation feedback do we have to help us understand the impact of the proposal on equality rights and human rights? Please consider a range of sources, including: consultation exercises, surveys, feedback from staff, stakeholders, participants, research reports, the views of equality groups, as well your own experience of working in this area etc.
Source of data/supporting evidence		Reason for using
TIER		TIER have engaged at a local and national level with organisations representing the visually impaired, and share discussion outputs with CYC where relevant. TIER will be undertaking a survey of their users about the service in York.
National organisations for the visually impaired community		Report and recommendations from the RNIB on mitigations for design of e-scooter trials
Department for Transport survey (future)		The Department for Transport have commissioned their own research to evaluate the impact of the trials on a national scale. This includes feedback from both users and non-users.

Step 3 – Gaps in data and knowledge

3.1	What are the main gaps in information and understanding of the impact of your proposal?  Please indicate how any gaps will be dealt with.
Gaps in data or knowledge		Action to deal with this
Understanding how e-scooters and e-bikes will be used in York and areas of high/low demand.		TIER will be tracking usage as part of the trial and therefore will be able to identify areas of high demand. This will also aid understanding of how people move around the city and help to support areas underserved by existing public transport.
Impact of trial on wider disability groups (both positive and negative)		TIER and CYC to engage with local and national organisations that represent wider disability groups (not just the visually impaired community).

Step 4 – Analysing the impacts or effects.

4.1	Please consider what the evidence tells you about the likely impact (positive or negative) on people sharing a protected characteristic, i.e. how significant could the impacts be if we did not make any adjustments? Remember the duty is also positive – so please identify where the proposal offers opportunities to promote equality and/or foster good relations.
Equality Groups and Human Rights.		Key Findings/Impacts	Positive (+) Negative (-) Neutral (0)	High (H) Medium (M) Low (L)
Age		E-scooters are only be able to be ridden by those who hold a valid provisional driving licence, in line with government regulation. TIER who are running the scheme in York, also require all users to be over the age of 18, therefore only those over this age would be able to ride an e-scooter or e-bike. This is in line with other shared schemes such as the London cycle hire scheme. Setting an age limit for e-scooter and e-bike use ensures the government regulation is adhered to and maintains the safety of users and non-users.	Negative	Medium
Disability		Evidence collated by the RNIB have identified concerns that e-scooters could have on the safety, confidence and independence of blind and partially sighted people. They have set out a number of additional local rules to make e-scooters safer, some of which are outlined below (full list available here). Discussions have been held with local organisations representing the visually impaired. Representatives from some of these groups undertook a walk around the city centre with colleagues from CYC and TIER in August 2020 to understand their concerns, and how the impact on the visually impaired may be mitigated. This included discussion on sharing street space, features of e-scooters (current and future models), and ways of working together (with CYC and TIER) going forward. These local organisations have also been involved through the implementation of the trial, including in feeding back on parking racks designed by TIER. Provision of e-scooters and e-bikes may negatively impact on non-users of the service who are disabled, including the visually impaired. E-scooters and e-bikes may impact on their safety, confidence and independence, both through use of e-scooters and parking locations (e.g. if not parked properly or contribute to street clutter). Provision of e-scooters may positively impact those who are unable to ride a bicycle due to mobility issues, but are able to stand for extended periods. Provision of e-bikes may positively impact those who are unable to ride a traditional bicycle due to the reduced physical exertion required to power the bicycle. E-scooters and e-bikes will only be allowed where cycles are allowed (i.e. roads and cycle paths). User training and in-app prompts will help to promote awareness and safe riding. Recommendations from the RNIB to make e-scooters safer will be taken into account, including: Parking locations for the e-scooters and e-bikes will be discussed in collaboration with local organisations representing the visually impaired. The system is a ‘docked’ system, meaning that e-scooters and e-bikes can only be left in designated parking locations (seen in-app with physical markings). This reduces the chance of them causing street clutter and obstructing footways. E-scooters and e-bikes will use the same parking bays. The helmet box light on the stem of the e-scooters is also permanently on even when parked, helping to improve visibility for the visually impaired. TIER are also improving the visibility of the ID plates, making these reflective, and providing reflective stickers with the ID on the sides of the scooter. This will also aid with visibility of e-scooters when parked. Accessible infrastructure. TIER are able to use geo-fencing to prevent riding in certain locations, and to slow the speed of e-scooters in certain areas; e.g. shared spaces.  Robust enforcement of rules. TIER have various methods of enforcement and reporting improper use. TIER also provide 24-hour support via phone and email, with a direct line for the local police. TIER takes a zero tolerance approach to irresponsible use and will block the accounts of those individuals found to be breaking the rules of the road and our terms of service. Public awareness on driving e-scooters safely will be provided by TIER. This includes training through live safety demonstrations (where COVID safe), online video training and in-app messaging, as well as in-person training events. TIER is also working with third parties including The AA to educate riders about the safe and responsible use of e-scooters. E-scooter design considers points outlined by the RNIB. The scooter and the e-bike have an integrated bell so users can alert those nearby of their presence. Local groups highlighted concerns around the quietness of e-scooters. In response, TIER are investigating use of an Audible Vehicle Alert (AVA) system on the e-scooters, so the noise makes their presence more known.  TIER e-scooters and e-bikes also have a double kickstand to improve the stability when parked. TIER are also improving the visibility of the ID plates, making these reflective, and providing reflective stickers with the ID on the sides of the scooter. This will also aid with visibility of e-scooters when parked. The new model of TIER e-scooters being rolled out across York also have indicators. This improves ease of use and stability for riders, being able to indicate their direction of travel without having to take their hands off the handlebars. The use of indicators also improves ability of non-riders to be made aware of the direction of e-scooter travel. E-bike design – similarly to e-scooters, the e-bikes have a double kickstand to improve stability when parked. The e-bikes also have an integrated bell so users can alert those nearby of their presence. An accessible complaints process. TIER operate an accessible complaints process and provide 24 hour support via phone and email. CYC have engaged, and will be working with, local organisations throughout the trial.	Negative	High
Gender		No impacts identified
Gender Reassignment		No impacts identified
Marriage and civil partnership		No impacts identified
Pregnancy and maternity		No impacts identified
Race		No impacts identified
Religion and belief		No impacts identified
Sexual orientation		No impacts identified
Other Socio-economic groups including :		Could other socio-economic groups be affected e.g. carers, ex-offenders, low incomes?
Carer		No impacts identified
Low income groups		The shared e-scooter and e-bike scheme may provide greater access to on-demand transport across the city for those without access to a car or where are poorly served by bus routes. The pay-as-you-go use of the e-scooters and e-bikes may enable low-income groups to use, though the cost may also be prohibitive. TIER offer daily, weekly and monthly packages to reduce costs to regular users and are looking to partner with local job centres. A full or provisional driving licence is required to hire an e-scooter which is an additional cost to be able to access the service. This is in line with government regulations.	Positive and Negative	Medium
Veterans, Armed Forces Community		No impacts identified
Other
Impact on human rights:
List any human rights impacted.

Use the following guidance to inform your responses:

Indicate:

- Where you think that the proposal could have a POSITIVE impact on any of the equality groups like promoting equality and equal opportunities or improving relations within equality groups

- Where you think that the proposal could have a NEGATIVE impact on any of the equality groups, i.e. it could disadvantage them

- Where you think that this proposal has a NEUTRAL effect on any of the equality groups listed below i.e. it has no effect currently on equality groups.

It is important to remember that a proposal may be highly relevant to one aspect of equality and not relevant to another.

High impact (The proposal or process is very equality relevant)	There is significant potential for or evidence of adverse impact The proposal is institution wide or public facing The proposal has consequences for or affects significant numbers of people The proposal has the potential to make a significant contribution to promoting equality and the exercise of human rights.
Medium impact (The proposal or process is somewhat equality relevant)	There is some evidence to suggest potential for or evidence of adverse impact The proposal is institution wide or across services, but mainly internal The proposal has consequences for or affects some people The proposal has the potential to make a contribution to promoting equality and the exercise of human rights
Low impact (The proposal or process might be equality relevant)	There is little evidence to suggest that the proposal could result in adverse impact The proposal operates in a limited way The proposal has consequences for or affects few people The proposal may have the potential to contribute to promoting equality and the exercise of human rights

Step 5 - Mitigating adverse impacts and maximising positive impacts

5.1

Based on your findings, explain ways you plan to mitigate any unlawful prohibited conduct or unwanted adverse impact. Where positive impacts have been identified, what is been done to optimise opportunities to advance equality or foster good relations?

Mitigation for adverse impacts have been outlined above. Additionally TIER will implement slow speed zones where appropriate (e.g. in high footfall areas) to improve safety for all. The footstreets will also be a ‘no go zone’ with e-scooters slowing to 3mph (walking speed) if a rider does enter this area. Similarly, the pedal assist on e-bikes would also switch off if this area is entered. TIER will work with CYC and the visually impaired community to respond to any continuing concerns and to address these appropriately.

Step 6 – Recommendations and conclusions of the assessment

6.1	Having considered the potential or actual impacts you should be in a position to make an informed judgement on what should be done. In all cases, document your reasoning that justifies your decision. There are four main options you can take:
- No major change to the proposal – the EIA demonstrates the proposal is robust.  There is no                         potential  for unlawful discrimination or adverse impact and you have taken all opportunities to    advance equality and foster good relations, subject to continuing monitor and review.
- Adjust the proposal – the EIA identifies potential problems or missed opportunities. This involves taking steps to remove any barriers, to better advance quality or to foster good relations. - Continue with the proposal (despite the potential for adverse impact) – you should clearly set out the justifications for doing this and how you believe the decision is compatible with our obligations under the duty - Stop and remove the proposal – if there are adverse effects that are not justified and cannot be mitigated, you should consider stopping the proposal altogether. If a proposal leads to unlawful discrimination it should be removed or changed. Important: If there are any adverse impacts you cannot mitigate, please provide a compelling reason in the justification column.
Option selected		Conclusions/justification
No major change to the proposal		Measures in place to limit the age of users follow national guidance and that of other operators to ensure safety for both users and non-users of e-scooters and e-bikes. Sufficient mitigation measures have been outlined in response to advice from organisations representing the visually impaired community. This will be monitored through the trial.

Step 7 – Summary of agreed actions resulting from the assessment

7.1	What action, by whom, will be undertaken as a result of the impact assessment.
Impact/issue		Action to be taken	Person responsible	Timescale
Negative impact of e-scooters on the visually impaired community.		To track any feedback and ongoing concerns on the trial in York. To engage with organisations representing the visually impaired community at a national level.	TIER/Jessica Hall	Through trial period (until October 2021 presently)
Negative impact on low income groups		TIER to work with local job centres on how to support travel for job seekers	TIER/Jessica Hall	Through trial period (until October 2021 presently)
Any ongoing issues that haven’t been identified		TIER and CYC to regularly review the EIA, and review any feedback / issues raised and implement mitigating actions.	TIER and CYC / Jessica Hall and Lucy Atkinson	Through trial period (until October 2021 presently)

Step 8 - Monitor, review and improve

8. 1

How will the impact of your proposal be monitored and improved upon going forward?   Consider how will you identify the impact of activities on protected characteristics and other marginalised groups going forward? How will any learning and enhancements be capitalised on and embedded?

As highlighted in 7.1, any ongoing concerns not identified in this EIA that are raised to TIER or CYC through the trial, will be addressed appropriately when these issues are raised. Depending on the issue or concern raised, these will also be shared with the Department for Transport and other participating local authorities to aid trials in other areas. Equally lessons from other participating local authorities will also be shared.