A unique shop renting scooters to tourists and visitors has opened its doors.

Dart Scooter Rental and Leasing in North Road, Brighton, is the first shop in the UK devoted to scooter rental.

The company also offers sales and rentals at Budget in Lewes Road and is planning to open another site in Pool Valley in the next fortnight.

It is hoping to operate a small office for rentals at the train station.

Business development manager Andy Wignall said: "Using a scooter around town is a joy when you've been used to sitting in traffic or wearing the soles off your shoes.

"The traffic feels invisible and so do the traffic wardens.

"It really makes life so much easier and I'm truly converted - I haven't used my car for months."

People can hire a scooter for £18 a day or £59 for a week. Longer periods are available at special rates.

A full of petrol costs about £5 and will last about a week.

The firm has also had a lot of interest from businesses, especially estate agents, who are keen to give their employees scooters instead to beat the traffic.

Dart managing director Alison Dickson said: "If you have a car or go on the bus you often get hooked up in traffic and you lose time.

"Parking is not a problem with a scooter because there are special bays where you can park for free."

The only condition of hiring the scooters is users must be over 21 and hold a car or motorcycle licence.

For more details, call 08700 131413.

www.scooters4hire.com
Wednesday April 16 2003