micromobilitybiz Delivering news updates to the micromobility industry, focusing on e-bikes, e-scooters and green transport
More than 800,000 short car journeys have been replaced by Voi e-scooters in Liverpool, the company has revealed.
Voi, the Swedish micromobility operator, is marking the two million-ride milestone in the city, after it launched in Liverpool in October 2020.
To mark the occasion, Voi has released a number of key stats about e-scooter usage in the area, as more than 800,000 short car journeys have been replaced by scooters, saving an estimated 430 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Jack Samler, general manager at Voi UK and Ireland, said: “As more and more people adopt e-scooters for getting around, Voi has become an important part of city life for the people of Liverpool with two million rides since October 2020.
“Tackling air pollution from transport, the most polluting sector in the UK, requires offering more people the opportunity to access sustainable, affordable and convenient modes of transport, like e-scooters or e-bikes. This means offering more opportunities for parking, creating more connections across the whole city where people can complement first and last-mile e-scooter journeys with public transport.
“As society comes together to fight the climate crisis, we are determined to continue to work with the people of Liverpool, the Combined Authority and City Council and other stakeholders to make Liverpool a cleaner and better city to live in.”
Voi said key to the success of the scooters has been the firm’s investment in parking, as more than 200 painted bays have been installed over the last year, resulting in nine out of 10 riders now ending with scooters being parked safely and securely.
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.”
Read more: Chainless e-bikes can be sold as electrically powered assisted cycles rules EU Commission
Next up for Voi is a planned expansion outside the centre of Liverpool, to cover the remaining 20% of the city.
