Micromobility provider Voi has confirmed that e-scooter pilots across the UK will be extended until March 2022.
Trials that were introduced by local authorities will continue into next spring so that councils can continue to collect data on how e-scooters are used and how they relieve pressure on public transport and congestion in urban areas.
Voi Technology, launched in Northampton in October 2020, has licences to operate in 17 UK towns and cities, giving Voi 60% of the UK market share. Voi’s e-scooters and e-bikes are available in Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol, Northampton, Bath, Cambridge, Oxford, Portsmouth and Southampton.
Jack Samler, general manager, Voi Technology UK, said: “We hope that many other towns and cities across the UK will look at Voi’s trials and understand that shared e-scooter services, appropriately controlled through technology and regulation, are a brilliant solution to the challenges experienced in moving around cities.
“The pilots continue to be a great success with important lessons learned and we anticipate that many more people could soon try this new form of transport.”
The micromobility operator would now like to see primary legislation created for a new classification of vehicles to cover e-scooters, which recognises the differences between scooters and electric-assist pedal cycles.
It also wants local authorities and operators to agree governance structure for the operation of shared scooter services. This would allow them to scale to meet growing demand, while ensuring local authorities have the authority to ensure a safe service.
Furthermore, Voi called for local authorities to prioritise the development of cycling infrastructure such as segregated cycle lanes to encourage safe micromobility journeys and discourage private cars for short trips.
It added that councils and e-scooter operators should work together to find alternative parking solutions to pavement parking.
Cllr Graham Lawman, North Northamptonshire executive member for highways, travel and assets, added: “The pilot has allowed us to test and tweak the scheme so that it works for everyone, and both Voi and the council are planning to continue to both educate and enforce the correct usage of e-scooters to ensure the scheme has the best outcomes for all.
“We have a unique opportunity to build on what we have learned in the past year and ensure that electric transport can become a major part of our commitment to addressing climate issues.”
