Big Ben on an e-scooter raises funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK
Voi Big Ben fundraising event in London. Credit for all photos: Voi
London Monday 30 October 2023: Rental e-scooter operator Voi teamed up with the UK’s leading dementia research charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK, to raise funds for vital research into dementia at an event outside parliament featuring a giant Big Ben on an e-scooter.
Voi has just started operating e-scooters in London in the second phase of Transport for London’s e-scooter trials.
Alzheimer’s Research UK and Voi raised about £550 for the charity.
One in two of us will be directly impacted by dementia, either by developing it ourselves, caring for someone with the condition, or both.
There’s no sure-fire way to prevent the condition, yet, but research has shown that up to 40% of all cases of dementia are linked to factors that we may be able to influence.
This includes protecting your brain health by looking after your heart, stay mentally sharp, and keep connected to loved ones and the world around you.
This year, Alzheimer’s Research UK launched a campaign, encouraging people to take the necessary steps to look after their brain health by completing the Think Brain Health check-in.
E-scooters can also play a part in tackling dementia by reducing air pollution – which has been linked to dementia - and contributing towards brain health by keeping people active and connected.
According to a recent survey conducted by Voi, 42% of Voi riders in the UK say they use cars less since starting to use e-scooters and 27% say they no longer use cars.
Jack Samler, regional general manager for Voi UK, Ireland and France, said:
“We’re really excited to now be operating e-scooters in London.
“It’s easy to use our e-scooters to travel in London - our app includes a route-finder which works out the safest route to scoot and directs riders to the nearest parking spots to their destination.
“We’re a very good low cost and sustainable choice of travel - and it’s great to see that using e-scooters might also help with preventing dementia.
Dr Susan Mitchell, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“We would like to say thank you to Voi for supporting our Think Brain Health campaign and for their fundraising efforts for Alzheimer's Research UK.
“Around 40% of dementia cases could be avoided, and it’s never too early or late when it comes to taking steps to reduce our risk. What’s good for your heart is good for your brain and being active and socialising all have a part to play in keeping our brain healthy.
“We are also grateful to Voi for their work in helping to reduce air pollution with the use of their e-scooters, and hope that this will encourage others to explore sustainable travel choices.”
The UK e-scooter trials are currently due to continue until May 2024. Voi is calling on the government to set a clear date for legislation to make rental e-scooters permanent, which would enable more towns and cities across the UK to benefit from this convenient, low cost and carbon neutral form of transport.
To make a donation to Alzheimer’s Research UK, follow this link: https://donate.alzheimersresearchuk.org/publicnew/
For further information, please contact:
Juliette Maxam, Senior PR manager, Voi UK, Ireland and France
juliette.maxam@voiapp.io
About Voi
Founded in 2018, Voi is a Swedish micromobility company offering e-scooter and e-bike sharing in partnership with towns, cities and local communities. We believe e-scooters can play a central role in changing how people move in our towns and cities in the future. We want to ensure that the micromobility transformation happens the right way - through real innovative technology, open and transparent dialogue with towns, cities and governments and by adapting our products to local needs. Voi’s holistic Environmental Action Plan tackles emissions and promotes renewable energy use and circularity along its supply chain.
Voi operates in over 100 towns and cities across 12 countries. It is headquartered in Stockholm and employs 1,000 people. To date, Voi boasts more than seven million riders and has served more than 150+ million rides.
About Alzheimer’s Research UK
Almost one million people are living with dementia today. Tragically, not one of them will survive.
Alzheimer’s Research UK exists to change that.
As the UK’s leading dementia research charity, we are working to revolutionise the way we treat, diagnose, and prevent dementia. And then, we will find a way to cure it.
To do this, we’re investing in the best research, powering the most forward-thinking scientists, and joining forces with world-class organisations.
With your support, we promise we will not stop until dementia can no longer destroy lives.
We are Alzheimer’s Research UK. We exist for a cure.
