Shared micromobility operator Voi has announced that e-scooter usage of its shared scheme in Oxford, England spiked 39% last year.
More than one million miles worth of journeys were taken on Voi e-scooters since the scheme was launched in the city two years ago.
According to Voi, more rides have taken place this year in areas where the company expanded parking zones – particularly in Cowley, Rose Hill and Blackbird Leys.
Jack Samler, General Manager for Voi UK, Ireland and France told Zag Daily that the top three reasons for using Voi e-scooters in Oxford are to commute to work, travel to social engagements, and to run errands.
“This reiterates that shared e-scooters play an essential role in helping people move around our cities, contributing positively to the local economy in the process,” said Samler.
Most of the riders in Oxford use e-scooters for journeys of up to 15 minutes to commute to work and college, according to a recent survey by Voi.
The research showed that 66.5% of riders were employed full-time, while 14.5% were students.
When the trial started in February 2021, there were just 25 scooters operating between 6 am and 10 pm.
It has since grown to a fleet of 750 e-scooters available 24/7 across a larger area of Oxford, with nearly 57,000 registered users.
Social-economic impact
An independent socio-economic impact report commissioned by Voi last October forecasted that the e-scooter scheme in Oxford could boost High Street spending by £10.5 million over the trial period.
Voi has also been working with Oxfordshire County Council to address the costs of living, with a 50% discount to ride its e-scooters through Voi 4 All.
The programme offers the discount to those with a valid HC2 certificate, Employment and Support Allowance, Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, or Universal Credit
Additionally, Voi pledged four long-term rental e-scooters to the Oxford City Angels project, which supports women’s safety through patrols and engagement overnight on Saturdays and Sundays.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Highways Management at Oxfordshire County Council, said the scheme helps to ensure a joined-up, sustainable and climate-responsible transport alternative.
“The positive uptake of the public hire e-scooters shows how effectively they fit with the wider strategy to improve how we move around the city,” said Gant.
