E-scooter operating hours extended in Southampton

E-scooter in Southampton Credit: Voi

E-scooter operating hours have been extended in Southampton so that they are now available later at night - with research suggesting people feel safer scooting rather than walking at night. 

Funded by the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Solent Future Transport Zone programme, Voi e-scooters will now operate until 11pm, reflecting data which shows high usage at night in Southampton.

Feedback suggests that people feel safer taking an e-scooter at night, with 1 in 5 women saying they feel safer on an e-scooter rather than walking or taking public transport.  

The change is also in line with Voi’s aim that users should be able to rely on its service just as much during night hours and that late hours should not limit the sustainable and affordable choices of transport in cities.

Jack Samler, Voi General Manager UK, Ireland and France, said, “I’m really pleased that e-scooters are now available for longer in Southampton. It is great to be able to give people a more affordable, convenient option that will help to reduce car dependency and, therefore, pollution and emissions in our cities further.” 

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Southampton City Council adds: "Following on from feedback, we are pleased to extend our operating hours until 11pm. This extra hour gives an additional, more flexible option for all, especially to shift workers and those without access to a car later on at night.”

Voi’s own data demonstrates that there is no discernible impact on accident rates when e-scooters are used at night. Voi e-scooters have built-in front and rear lights that switch on automatically and are equipped with a bell. Riders are also strongly advised to wear reflective clothing when riding in the dark, as well as always wearing a helmet.

To tackle and prohibit riding under the influence during night hours, the company has also pioneered a reaction test which blocks users from starting a ride if they show signs of intoxication.

As part of Voi’s mission to provide safe, sustainable and reliable micromobility for all, Voi riders can take advantage of Voi for All discounts which provide discounted travel to people on low incomes, disabled people and people over 65, Voi 4 Heroes which supports NHS, emergency service workers, military personnel and veterans, and Voi for Students which offers a discount for students and staff at higher education institutions.

Notes to editors

Sources: 

‘1 in 5 women saying they feel safer on an e-scooter rather than walking or taking public transport.’ Voi focus group, user end ride feedback and global user survey.

‘no discernible impact on accident rates when e-scooters are used at night.’ Data from Voi’s Cambridge and Oxford trials

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.