The West of England Combined Authority’s e-scooter trial has now passed one million rides, with over three million kilometres travelled on e-scooters around the region.
Micromobility operator Voi estimates that around 370,000 car trips have been replaced since the beginning of the trial in October last year, reducing over 200 tonnes of C02 emissions.
E-scooters were introduced in the West of England, including in Bath, Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The micromobility mode aims to reduce pressure on public transport and offer residents a sustainable, convenient and affordable way to travel around, allowing them to leave their cars behind.
Voi added the majority of rides are taking place in the city centres as people are using them to shop, run errands and go about their daily lives. Train stations are one of the most popular locations to start and end rides, suggesting that users are using the service to complement public transport journeys, according to the operator.
Jack Samler, general manager at Voi UK and Ireland, said: “E-scooters have the potential to change the way we move around our cities and towns, and our mission is to help to create cities that are better and healthier places to live.”
Voi, the West of England Combined Authority and Avon & Somerset Police continue to work together to ensure riders know the rules of the road and are safe when they are on the move.
Recently, the micromobility operator made its three-strike policy stricter, and users who do not follow the e-scooter usage rules will see their accounts blocked temporarily or permanently. Residents are also encouraged to report instances of anti-social behaviour or misuse
Simon Brickwood, of Avon & Somerset Police’s roads policing unit, said: “We’re keen for riders to be aware that e-scooters are subject to the same road traffic legislation as cars or mopeds and are only legal for use as part of government-led trial schemes. While they may not be capable of high speeds, irresponsible e-scooter use puts pedestrians, motorists and the riders themselves at risk.
“However, whilst we are have seen some limited incidents of poor rider behaviour, these represent a small minority of e-scooter users, with the vast majority complying with the rules. Working closely with the local authority and Voi, we are actively engaging with e-scooter users as part of our regular patrols and issuing safety advice where appropriate.”
