Micromobility firm Voi is expanding its operating area in Birmingham today to cover the main sporting venues in the run up to the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The Commonwealth Games takes place from 28 July – 08 August.
Whether attending athletics or para-athletics at the Alexander Stadium, cricket at Edgbaston Cricket Ground or volleyball and basketball events at Smithfield, residents and visitors can now ride between locations on an e-scooter.
This expansion includes the northern part of the city, following the approval by Birmingham City Council last week. Other locations covered in the newly expanded area are City Centre Gardens and New Fosse Way.
Voi new operating area
Voi now covers a large part of the city to the north, east, south and west of the city centre.
In a separate announcement, Voi is extending its operating hours to become a 24-hour, 7-day week service.
This will make its e-scooters more accessible, especially for shift workers such as NHS staff.
Emergency service workers, Armed Forces, veterans, students, NHS staff and those on a low income can also take advantage of ‘Voi 4 discounts’, as part of the firm’s commitment to create a more inclusive service.
So far, more than 1.2m rides have taken place in Birmingham since the UK e-scooter trials commenced.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “It’s good news that the trial zone is being extended to cover places in the north and east of Birmingham like Erdington, Kingstanding and – perfectly timed for the Commonwealth Games – Perry Barr, which is of course home to Alexander Stadium.
“Incorporating these new areas – alongside moving to 24 hour hire – will allow many more people to give e-scooters a try. Together we can take the small steps that lead to substantial overall improvements to air quality and the level of congestion – elevating quality of life here in the West Midlands.”
Jack Samler, Voi’s UK General Manager, said: “We are delighted to make our service available 24/7 and expand the operating area further to give even more Brummies and the expected 1.5 million visitors easy access to a safe, convenient and greener transport mode.”
