Voi’s rental e-scooter service to be extended further in Birmingham

Micromobility operator Voi has announced a further expansion of its operating area in Birmingham to help residents and visitors easily access the main venues of the upcoming international sports event, including Alexander Stadium.

As part of an expansion, which now covers nearly 50 square miles of the city, Voi said it is ‘delighted’ to be supporting one of the most important sporting events in the city’s history. This further expansion includes the northern part of the city centre, following the approval by Birmingham City Council last week.

Whether attending the athletics or para-athletics at the games at the Alexander Stadium, cricket at Edgbaston Cricket Ground or volleyball and basketball events at Smithfields, people can now jump on a scooter and ride between these and many other locations. Riders can ride to the following (selected) locations:

– Perry Hall Park, Alexander Stadium
Opening and closing ceremonies and the main track and field events
– Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston Cricket Ground
T20 cricket
– Rag Market, Smithfields
Volleyball and basketball events in the city centre
– City Centre Gardens, the Arena Birmingham
Rhythmic and artistic gymnastics
– New Fosse Way, University of Birmingham
Hockey and squash events, athletes’ village and swimming and athletics training

Voi is also extending its operating hours today to now become a 24-hour, seven-day week service. Offering its rental service at all times of the day means the company’s service will be a more convenient and accessible mode of transport, especially for shift workers, NHS staff or even those wanting a safe ride home at the night following the games.

Voi users can continue to take advantage of its ‘Voi 4’ discounts – available for students, NHS staff, emergency service workers, Armed Forces, veterans and also for those on a low income – all are eligible to apply for discounts to help fight the financial pinch of the current cost of living crisis.

Jack Samler, general manager at Voi UKI, said: “Birmingham is a pioneering city when it comes to micromobility adoption and we are delighted to make our service available 24/7 and expand the operating area further to give even more Brummies and the expected 1.5 million visitors easy access to a safe, convenient and greener transport mode.

“Meantime, we will continue to work closely with Transport for West Midlands and Birmingham City Council to ensure our service replaces more short car journeys, making the city less congested and polluted as it hosts one of the most important sporting events in its history.”

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Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “With more than a million rides so far, e-scooters have proven popular on our patch – in many cases encouraging local residents to substitute the car in favour of the scooter for shorter journeys.

“So it’s good news that the trial zone is being extended to cover places in the north and east of Birmingham like Erdington, Kingstanding and – perfectly timed for the Commonwealth Games – Perry Barr, which is of course home to Alexander Stadium.

“Incorporating these new areas – alongside moving to 24 hour hire – will allow many more people to give e-scooters a try. Together we can take the small steps that lead to substantial overall improvements to air quality and the level of congestion – elevating quality of life here in the West Midlands.”