Gloucestershire’s new e-scooter operator offers free rides to mark first 50 days in service
Cheltenham and Gloucester’s new e-scooter operator is celebrating its first 50 days in the county by offering people the chance to try out their e-scooters free of charge.
And the new operator, Voi, is announcing that it is looking to nearly double the number of e-scooter parking spots across Cheltenham and Gloucester in the coming months, making the service more convenient for many more riders.
Since starting to run the service on 1 August, 4,600 people have signed up to Voi and taken 20,000 rides on the company’s hi-tech and easy-to-ride e-scooters.
The company has 450 e-scooters spread across Cheltenham and Gloucester.
There are currently 170 parking spots where e-scooters must be parked, but this number is set to rise to 300 in coming months.
People can suggest a parking spot where they think it would be most convenient by using this form.
Jack Samler, general manager for Voi UK, Ireland and France, said: “We’re delighted that so many people in Cheltenham and Gloucester have discovered the benefits of using e-scooters to get around.
“E-scooters are a safe, convenient, affordable and sustainable method of transport. By replacing car journeys with e-scooters, we can all play a part in reducing congestion and improving air quality in our communities.”
Video of Jack Samler commenting on Cheltenham and Gloucester scheme
Cllr David Gray, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for environment and planning said: “It’s great news that so many people have signed up to use Voi e-scooters in their first 50 days in the county and that they’re looking to nearly double the number of parking spots in Cheltenham and Gloucester.
“This will encourage more people to use them and make the service even more convenient. The offer of free rides also gives people a great opportunity to try out e-scooters, which can be an important mode of sustainable travel.”
Video of Cllr David Gray commenting on Cheltenham and Gloucester scheme
To ride, people need to download the Voi app, upload a photo of their full or provisional driving licence and verify their identity. They can then complete a short safety briefing before being able to ride. You must be aged 18 or over to ride a Voi e-scooter.
New riders can use the code GLOSFIRST50DAYS to get 15 minutes free. The code is valid until Wednesday 4 October.
The new e-scooter service is about £1 cheaper than its predcessor for an average 12-minute journey.
Discounts are also available for people on low incomes, students and NHS workers through the Voi 4 Discounts schemes.
For people less confident about riding e-scooters, the company is arranging e-scooter training in both Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Dates and locations are still being finalised, but anyone interested in taking part, can check Voi’s UK social media accounts, or check the company’s Eventbrite page where details will be added.
Voi, which is the UK’s leading e-scooter operator, also runs free online riding skills webinars. Anyone completing the webinar gets free rides and a free Voi helmet - people can sign up on the Voi Eventbrite page.
More information about Voi discounts are available from www.voi.com/voi-4-discounts/.
Ends
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.
