Some 50 e-scooters are now available to rent in Cambridge and Peterborough as part of a 12-month trial with operator Voi Technology.
According to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, the trial aims to take the pressure off the local public transport network, help residents to leave cars at home, and limit transport emission as well as reduce congestion in both areas.
Mayor of of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, James Palmer, said: “Electric scooters have the power to transform the way we travel and I am delighted to be making them available in our historic city centre so that commuters and visitors alike can enjoy quicker, healthier journeys.
“Active transport solutions like this will become a vital part of our future public transport network; a cleaner, more efficient way to get around.”
The e-scooters are capped at 10mph and geofenced to ensure the scooters do not leave the trial area. Slow-ride and no-ride zones have also been put in place.
During the trial launch, safety tents were erected and Voi staff handed out helmets and safe riding information. On-the-ground-staff are located throughout the city centre to answer questions and promote a digital e-scooter traffic school.
According to Voi, the e-scooters in Cambridge will be disinfected every 24 hours and the company is rolling out copper tape on handlebars, which is said to inactivate 99.98% of the coronavirus. Hygiene information and advice is also available via the Voi app.
Voi is currently operating e-scooter trials in Birmingham and Northampton. As previously reported by CiTTi, its Coventry trial has been halted following reports of misuse.
