Extended Electric Scooter Trial in West England

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) approves the extension of the e-scooter trial, one year after the scheme began.

09:46 04 November 2021

A scheme that saw the trial of e-scooters across the West of England has been officially extended into 2022. 

 

The initiative, which started exactly a year ago, is designed to encourage residents in central areas to use a more environmentally friendly mode of transport. It was also aimed at reducing pressure on public transport. 

 

Voi, the Swedish technology firm involved in the project, confirmed that almost two and half million rides had been taken in Bath, Bristol and South Gloucestershire in the last 12 months. It added that the use of scooters had helped save 900,000 short car journeys and saved an estimated 480 tonnes of C02. 

 

Jack Samler, general manager at Voi UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to have been given more time to build on our success so far. We will continue to listen to users, the local community, and key stakeholders - such as disability and visually-impaired groups - to ensure micromobility can work for everyone. This trial extension will be invaluable, and can only help to strengthen an already truly collaborative partnership.

 

“We look forward to continuing our mission in Bath, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire to transform our cities for the better.”

 

Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees added: “E-scooters are a great way to travel around the city and they are proving popular in Bristol and our wider region.

 

“It is particularly important that we are providing another low-emission alternative to short car journeys, alongside our ongoing improvements to bus, walking and cycling journeys across the city and plans for a mass transit system.”