CO2-reducing powers of e-scooters and e-bikes in focus for World Car Free Day
A man on a Voi e-scooter in Liverpool
The introduction of Voi e-scooters and e-bikes in the UK has reduced carbon emissions by over 4,000 tonnes since their introduction in 2020.
The figures have been revealed during TravelWise week which culminates in World Car Free day on 22 September 2023.
E-scooters and e-bikes are helping to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution in towns and cities by replacing short car trips.
Since their introduction into the UK three years ago, Voi e-scooters and e-bikes have clocked up over 43 million miles, replacing over 10.3 million car journeys, reducing carbon emissions by over 4,000 tonnes CO2e.
They have also been shown to cut commuting time by 47%**, helping to reduce congestion as well.
Reducing car dependency and decarbonising urban transport is seen as a vital step in achieving the UK government’s goal to reach net zero and improving the well-being and efficiency of cities.
Jack Samler, Voi general manager UK, Ireland and France, said, “We aim to transform how people move in cities, freeing us from car dependency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, working all the time to reduce the environmental impact of our value chain and operations in the process.
“This Car Free Day we hope to really encourage that shift and that’s why we’re offering free unlocks on e-scooters and e-bikes, to encourage riders to have a go and see how easy and convenient it is to make the switch.
“With no emissions, every single e-scooter and e-bike trip that replaces a car journey is helping to transform UK towns and cities into cleaner and healthier places to live, work and visit.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has already joined us in making a positive difference to the UK’s carbon emissions by switching from their car to our safe, convenient and affordable e-scooters and e-bikes.”
To celebrate TravelWise week and nudge people towards car-free travel, Voi is offering a discount code for one free unlock to use on their next ride.
The offer is valid in all the towns and cities where Voi operates - Bristol, Cambridge, Cheltenham, Corby, Gloucester, Kettering, Liverpool, Northampton, Oxford, Portsmouth, Rushden & Higham Ferrers, Southampton and Wellingborough.
With the discount code CARFREEUK23, there will be no charge to unlock your next e-scooter or e-bike ride. One discount code is available per use and the offer is available from 16 to 30 September 2023, however must be redeemed in the app before 22 September 2023.
Voi is currently in the running for two national awards - for reducing congestion and cleaning up the air in UK towns and cities, shortlisted in the CiTTi Awards in the Clean Air Projects and Congestion Reduction categories.
Notes to editors:
*Carbon dioxide equivalent
CO2e reduction from Voi riders in UK cities where Voi currently operates:
CO2 reduction from Voi riders in UK cities where Voi currently operates:
Bristol: 3,272,201 car trips replaced, 1,422 tonnes CO2e avoided
Cambridge: 883,714 car trips replaced, 351 tonnes CO2e avoided
Liverpool: 1,771,778 car trips replaced, 658 tonnes CO2e avoided
Northampton: 1,441,282 car trips replaced, 576 tonnes CO2e avoided
Oxford: 278,367 car trips replaced, 109 tonnes CO2e avoided
Portsmouth: 83,977 car trips replaced, 165 tonnes CO2e avoided
Southampton: 538,245 car trips replaced, 216 tonnes CO2e avoided
**E-scooters were shown to cut commuting time by 47%* in a recent study by UCL. More info here: https://www.voi.com/blog/modal-shift/
For further information, please contact:
Juliette Maxam, Senior PR manager, Voi UK, Ireland and France
juliette.maxam@voiapp.io
