News / e-scooters
E-scooter trial set to launch in Bristol region
Hop-on, hop-off e-scooters will soon be available to hire in Bristol as a trial gets underway across the region.
Swedish company Voi Technology Ltd has been contracted to run the one-year pilot for the vehicles, which political leaders have hailed an exciting step in the right direction for sustainable transport.
E-scooters will be capped at a maximum speed of 15.5mph and will be available for ‘hop on, hop off’ rides or through a longer-term rental scheme, which enables people to take them home.
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Strict rules apply over where and how the scooters can be used, with the use of privately-owned scooters illegal in public spaces. Use on pavements is also banned and a trial in Coventry was paused after five days following concerns about them being ridden on pavements.
The 12-month trial is being led by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire councils.
Tim Bowles (left) with Alex Klimt of Voi Technology – photo courtesy of WECA
Announcing Voi as the region’s operator on Friday, West of England mayor Tim Bowles said: “This is an exciting prospect, bringing a new, low carbon way to travel around the region, and making it accessible for every community.
“This is a real benefit for our region while social distancing is in place on public transport, but also it’s a great opportunity to understand how they might help support my longer-term sustainable transport ambitions.”
He added: “We have been talking with our colleagues from other combined authorities running e-scooter trials around the country in order to learn from their experiences, and Voi bring their own experience too, which is valuable. We are working closely with our councils and Avon & Somerset Police to ensure that e-scooters are used responsibly as part of the trial.”
The costs and an exact start date for the trial are yet to be confirmed, although it is expected the e-scooters will be on the roads later this month.
Voi launched Europe’s first dockless e-scooter service in 2018 and now operates in more than 50 cities across 11 countries.
Richard Corbett, the UK and Ireland general manager for Voi said: “Our public transport system is under significant pressure as a result of Covid-19, and forward-thinking solutions are required to help keep people moving safely and sustainably during the upcoming winter period.”
Voi will be using licence plates to help identify any misuse of e-scooters and will invest in “ambassadors” on the streets to combat any anti-social behaviour.
Corbett added: “We are committed to ensuring that the launch is equitable for all, including the blind and partially sighted.”
Hired e-scooters can be ridden in cycle lanes or roads but not on pavements
Welcoming the upcoming launch of the trial, mayor Marvin Rees said the scooters will much-needed travel options alongside improvements being carried out across the city.
He added: “Scooters are a great way to travel while reducing emissions, air pollution and congestion, and we will work closely with the operator and share experiences with other cities to make sure they are used responsibly and safely by those taking up the trial.”
The following rules apply to the e-scooter trial:
- It is illegal to ride a privately-owned e-scooter on roads, pavements, parks and all public areas.
- Only e-scooters that are hired or leased through the West of England’s trial can be used legally on roads, cycle lanes or cycle tracks.
- E-scooters cannot be used on pavements.
- E-scooters are classed as motorised vehicles and riders of authorised trial e-scooters must hold a full or provisional driving licence.
Main photo courtesy of Voi
Read more: Bristol could become a trial city for electric scooters
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