Micromobility operator Voi has credited parking measures in Liverpool as key to achieving two million e-scooter rides in the city.
According to Voi, one in four people have ridden an e-scooter in Liverpool, since the launch in October 2020, helping reduce pollution and congestion by replacing over 800,000 short car journeys and saving an estimated 430 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Key to the city’s success, and encouraging more people to leave cars behind, has been Voi’s investment in parking, the operator said. Over the last year, Voi has installed more than 200 painted bays in selected areas across Liverpool’s city centre.
Voi added the bays combined with its in-app Parking Photo feature have resulted in an improvement in parking compliance. Its figures show nine in 10 rides end with e-scooters being parked safely and securely and, therefore, not blocking people’s way or creating unnecessary street clutter.
As highlighted in the 2021 International Transport Forum Report, there is a direct link between implementing both physical racks and painted bays with improvements in parking behaviour, particularly if placed in areas where people regularly begin or end their trips.
Liam Robinson, transport portfolio holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said: “The e-scooter trial in Liverpool has proven very popular and successful with two million rides taken so far. Research also suggests that many of these have been replacing car journeys, helping reduce congestion and cut harmful emissions in the city, which is vital as we pursue our ambition for the city region to become net-zero by 2040.
“The Combined Authority, and our partners at Liverpool City Council, have worked closely with Voi throughout the trial to improve the scheme and respond to concerns raised, introducing successful new measures like mandatory parking bays and slow and no riding zones to improve safety.
“With the trial continuing this year, we look forward to further exploring how e-scooters could become a more permanent part of the sustainable, London-style transport network the metro mayor is building in the Liverpool City Region.”
Voi currently serves 80% of Liverpool, however it aims to include more people and destinations outside of the centre with a safe, convenient and sustainable alternative mode of transport.
