Electric Cars
To book or speak to the coordinator; cars@shapinsay.org.uk or call or text 07798570439
The car service is now a member only service, due to need to operate under a section 19 certificate – residents and visitors can become a member by downloading the form below and returning it to the above email address, or for residents only, by becoming a member of the Trust.
Both memberships cost £1, but becoming a trust member comes with other benefits such as reduced price bike hire, the ability to apply for a SWAP grant and supporting the trusts efforts.
Visitors who want to use the car services are required to pay a visitor membership fee at least 24 hours prior to using the service.
The Development Trust operates 3 Electric vehicles, the service can be used by residents and Community groups in Shapinsay. We provide a car with driver – this is run as a door to door taxi style service, run on a donation only basis. We do not charge per run, we just ask for a donation towards costs.
One has been converted to allow wheelchair access, one is a 7-seater, and working on the feedback from residents, the 3rd, our most recent addition, is a vehicle that is a bit lower to the ground.
This service is in operation between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. We have trialled weekends previously but found there was little demand for a weekend service.
Please make your bookings one day in advance whenever possible. Bookings requested ‘on the day’ may require you to be flexible about timings, as prior bookings will take precedence.
Bookings can be made between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Emergencies will be accommodated where possible.
What can you use the service for? There’s not much you CAN’T use it for: A trip to the shop, the boat, the Kirk, a visit to a friend, a run around the island, coffee mornings, craft afternoons, you name it, we will try and make it work!
This will need to be booked well in advance to ensure we have drivers to cover this as well as locals.
To book this service or speak to the coordinator to discuss; cars@shapinsay.org.uk or 07798570439
Due to availability there may be times when collections and delivery of passengers may be altered to accommodate requirements. Prior notification of these changes will be discussed with the passenger when booking this service.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ANYONE WISHING TO USE THE SERVICE MUST BE AT LEAST 16 OR ACCOMPANIED BY A RESPONSIBLE ADULT.
Parents are responsible for their children at all times.
When using this service please remember that other people will be using the car after you so please do not bring mud in on your shoes, if you have muddy shoes please remove them and place them in the car boot.
The Trust is a Charity and accepts donations to further their aims and objectives.
CAR SERVICE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Shapinsay Community Terms and Conditions
To ensure the smooth operation of the Shapinsay Community Car Service and that all members enjoy a safe and reliable experience, please follow these rules:
- Booking the Service – Please book the car service at least 24 hours in advance whenever possible (at least the night before for morning and the morning before for the 2nd part of the day). This ensures availability and allows us to manage driver schedules.
Same-day requests: While we try to accommodate last-minute bookings, they may not always be possible. Please be understanding if we are not always able to provide same-day service.
Use the app: Once available, we encourage members to use the booking app for convenience. Alternatively, bookings can still be made by phone or email.
2. Cancellations: If you need to cancel a booking, please do so as early as possible, ideally no less than 2 hours before your scheduled pick-up.
Frequent cancellations: Repeated last-minute cancellations without good reason may result in a review of your membership.
3. Pick-Up and Drop-Off – Please be ready for pick-up at the arranged time to avoid delays for other users.
Waiting time: The driver will wait for a maximum of 5 minutes past your allocated pick-up time. If you do not show up, the trip will be considered cancelled.
4. Safety -Seat belts: All passengers must wear seat belts at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure that seat belts are worn by all passengers in the vehicle.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
No smoking or vaping: Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited in the vehicle.
Respectful behaviour: Please treat the driver and vehicle with respect. Offensive or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.
5. Payment & Donations- The service operates on a “donation” basis, all donations help cover the running costs of the service. Please contribute what you can at the end of your journey.
6.Membership: The service is available only to registered members of the Shapinsay Development Trust or the Shapinsay Car service. Membership is £1 annually and can be included in the Trust membership.
Visitors: Non-residents may sign up for temporary visitor membership at a nominal fee. Visitor bookings must be made a day in advance.
7.Respect for the Car – Cleanliness: Please take your belongings with you and leave the car tidy after use.
Please ensure feet are not filthy and kept off of the upholstery. If the car needs cleaned after members use it and make undue mess, a cleaning surcharge may be charged to the individual responsible.
Damage: Any intentional damage to the vehicle or misuse will result in suspension of service and possible charges for repairs.
8.Route limitations: The car service operates within the Shapinsay area and is not intended for long-distance travel beyond the island.
9. Special Requests: If you require additional assistance (e.g., mobility issues), please let us know during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Group bookings: For multiple passengers, please book in advance and indicate the number of people in your party.
Thank you for following these rules and supporting the Shapinsay Community Car Service! We look forward to providing you with safe, reliable, and friendly transport.