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Shared transport operator Voi has installed new parking infrastructure in Portsmouth, as the demand for e-scooters in the city continues to rise.
The Voi e-scooter rental scheme in Portsmouth has now hit 372,000 rides since launching in 2021, prompting the brand to install 32 new bike racks (260 spaces), bringing the total parking provision to 900 spaces.
Increasing parking racks makes Voi e-scooters more user-friendly for both users and local residents, according to Voi.
Cllr Lynne Stagg, cabinet member for Traffic and Transportation at Portsmouth City Council and Chair of Solent Transport’s Joint Committee, said: “The latest figures on rental e-scooter use show that people are using them as part of their daily routine, which is what we hoped would happen, and I’m pleased to see people are using them with other modes of public transport.
“These findings are in line with what we as a council would like to see – people travelling across our city in ways that are convenient, cost-effective and considerate. There’s also less of an environmental impact, improving air quality for everyone in Portsmouth.”
Voi has also tried to make e-scooters more accessible in underserved areas, including Milton Common, Eastney Beach, and the Lock Sailing Club.
The brand says that addressing parking and improving the convenience of micromobility is an important part of helping cities transition to a decarbonised future.
One in five users in Portsmouth currently use the service for their daily commute, while more than 47% combine rental e-scooters with public transport.
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Jim Hubbard, Senior Public Policy Manager at Voi, said: “Parking racks are an important part of helping make rental e-scooters more convenient and accessible for all, especially as the car is still the dominant mode of transport in Portsmouth.
“The success of the scheme has so far helped change Portsmouth for the better. With nearly 900 safe parking spaces now available to riders across the city, it has never been easier for more people to hop on and off, leave their cars at home, and most importantly, tackle the impacts of climate change.”
