News / e-scooters
Voi could lose e-scooter hire monopoly in 2023
A new company could take over Bristol’s e-scooter hire scheme from Voi in 2023, meaning the scooters for hire on the city’s streets could soon be completely different.
E-scooter operators have been asked to bid for a long-term contract to run a scheme across the West of England.
Swedish firm Voi has operated Bristol’s rentable e-scooters since a trial began in October 2020. More than 280,000 people have used e-scooters in Bristol and Bath, totalling six million journeys since the trial started.
is needed now More than ever
But now, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) is looking for a potential new operator, or group of operators, to take over the e-scooter scheme on a longer contract.
Voi could bid for the new contract and win again, meaning no change, or another company could win the bid.
Vois have become a familiar sight on Bristol’s streets since they were first introduced in October 2020 – photo: Martin Booth
Dan Norris, metro mayor for the West of England, said: “The trial has had some notable successes with over a quarter of a million local people using them — which is record-breaking nationwide. But there have also been challenges, including safety.
“I back schemes that encourage people to leave the car behind and help us to meet our ambitious net zero targets. I would very much like to encourage providers to now come forward and explain how they would provide a reliable, safe and affordable service for West of England residents.”
Kicking off the tender process, the combined authority has issued a Prior Information Notice to the market, in its search for a company to take on the e-scooter scheme. A new operator could potentially also bid to run electric bikes and electric cargo bikes, as well.
Voi will run the current e-scooters until the new contract is awarded, so there will be no gap in provision.
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Read more: Rees on Voi e-scooters: ‘It’s had a massive impact on the city’
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Matthew Pencharz, head of policy at Voi UK and Ireland, said: “We welcome the decision by the West of England Combined Authority to issue the notice for a long-term micromobility provider as it’s an opportunity to provide certainty for the industry – we’re looking forward to applying for the tender.
“Over the last two years, Voi has pioneered micromobility in Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire by working closely with local councils, riders, and other stakeholders to help the scheme become not only one of the most successful e-scooter services in Europe but be a safe, affordable and convenient one for all.
“Once the full details of the tender are announced in due course we will examine in close detail how our vision and expertise from operating in the UK and Europe’s biggest cities can help the region on its path to a low-carbon future and create better places for living.”
Alex Seabrook is a local democracy reporter for Bristol.
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Voi set to cover all of Bristol in coming months
- ‘Changed in all but appearance’: Meet Voi’s latest e-scooter
- Woman riding e-scooter in life-threatening condition after collision with car
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