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People across the West of England region will soon be able to rent an e-scooter and take it home after the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and Voi Technology announced the launch of their long-term rental scheme.
Voi’s long-term e-scooter rentals can be used by residents across the whole of Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire giving unlimited access to cost-effective and socially distanced transport, within the entire geofenced WECA area. This scheme complements the hop-on, hop-off short-term e-scooter scheme currently available for rides in defined parts of Bath and Bristol.
Tim Bowles, West of England Mayor, said: “This is another West of England transport first thanks to the Combined Authority. We are the first area in the country to host Voi’s long-term e-scooter rental service. This will offer another practical, flexible and cost-effective alternative to the car for people who want to use the scooter to help us get our region moving.
“It builds on the popularity of our hop-on-hop-off e-scooters which we’ve seen growing in Bath and Bristol and offers a socially distanced mode of transport for users outside of the city centres. Alongside Metrobus, our transformational MetroWest rail network and plans for a regional mass transit, we’re making it easier to get to the jobs and training opportunities that will secure our recovery.”
From 27th January, users will be able to rent a scooter for one or six months or until the trial ends in late October 2021 and use them within the pre-defined geofenced WECA region. It costs £35 to rent the scooter for one month, with lower rates available for a longer rental period. Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to use on roads, pavements, parks and any other areas.
Residents interested in signing up for a long-term rental can register on the Voi website. To be eligible for a long-term rental scooter, users need to be over 18 years old, have a valid or provisional driving licence and live in the WECA region. Once the user has been approved, the vehicle delivery will be arranged by Voi. Alongside the scooter, the user will receive a helmet, a lock and two battery chargers. Voi will also provide a user guide with detailed information on how to use, maintain and charge the scooter at home.
“Following the success of the e-scooter trial launched back in October, we are excited to bring our long-term rentals to the WECA region,” said Richard Corbett, regional general manager of UK, Ireland and Benelux for Voi. “This rental option offers residents a cost-effective way to use a scooter regularly within a wider area.
“Voi has supported the local community to move around safely and socially distanced, giving NHS staff and Key Emergency workers free rides during the lockdown. As we head towards a green recovery, e-scooters will continue to play a strategic part, replacing short car journeys and supporting the local sustainability goals.”
