More women are riding e-scooters than ever before, according to research by micromobility operator Voi.
Fuelled by growth in e-scooter schemes the gender balance is tipping, with e-scooters accounting for the highest share of female riders. A recent study, Who uses shared micro-mobility services?, looked at empirical evidence from Zurich, Switzerland and found 32% of women chose e-scooters, compared to 29% for docked bikes and 18% for dockless e-bikes
This matches Voi’s own figures, with women making up 40% of Voi’s UK riders – higher than the industry average of around 25%.
Jack Samler, Voi UK and Ireland general manager, said: “E-scooters are still a nascent transport method and we’re learning all the time about how they can fit into people’s daily lives. We know women are more likely to walk or use public transport, so it’s important for us to understand the ways that we can ensure women across England can travel to work or run errands in a safe and sustainable way.”
Voi is working to improve the accessibility of its schemes and their appeal to women. The company recently partnered with an independent Paris-based consultancy 6t on a year-long research project to look at how to make shared e-scooter schemes a more inclusive transport service.
“We’re committed to empowering everyone in the shift to micro-mobility and our partnership with 6t and our membership to Women in Transport, which aims to make the transport sector a better industry through diversity, gender parity and inclusion, are all part of that commitment,” added Samler.
Rebecca Lane, a commercial consultant in the energy sector from Birmingham, uses e-scooters once or twice a week to run errands. Speaking to Voi, she said: “The scooters are very useful. They can reduce pollution and congestion and also give people other options beyond bikes. The more responsible road users are, the safer the roads will be.”
