Micromobility usage continues to grow in UK cities
As next-gen Voi e-scooters roll out in Bath, Bristol and Liverpool, the micromobility company reckons commuters now represent its largest rider group while HumanForest registers its highest e-bike usage in London to date.
The cities of Bath, Bristol and Liverpool are the latest cities to roll out Voi’s next-generation Voiager 5 i(V5) model of e-scooter. The micromobility provider reports that commuters now represent its largest rider group in the UK.
Meanwhile, electric bike provider Human-Forest recorded the highest usage to date in London during the month of May with the recent tube strike resulting in double the number of trips for a normal Monday.
Inclusive design
Liverpool, Bristol and Bath join the European cities of Bergen, Bordeaux, Helsinki, Madrid, Milan, Oslo, Rome, Seville, Stockholm and Trondheim, where the V5 has already been rolled out.
As part of Voi’s mission to co-create solutions and in developing V5, it sought to engage widely with many groups, such as Open Inclusion and Women in Transport, whose mobility needs are often not taken into consideration. Among the new key features developed with inclusion in mind are:
- an updated dashboard design on the V5, which has seen the addition of a centrally-located integrated phone holder, enabling riders to navigate more safely. Additionally, integrating the phone holder into the scooter frame improves its durability and repairability as it is more robust
- a more ergonomic handlebar whereby the brakes, indicator switch and bell are easier to reach, even for those with smaller hands
- auto-cancelling indicators, preventing riders from having to lower their gaze mid-ride to inactivate them.
Other new benefits of the V5 include improved accuracy and precision, allowing riders to end their rides at designated parking spots with significant accuracy, as well as greater street accessibility. It means that riders and non-riders can scan the QR code using their smartphone camera to easily let Voi’s local teams know if a vehicle is wrongly parked, so they can take care of it.
“Producing a new model like this is the result of collaboration across the board, from warehouse staff to engineering experts, sustainability gurus to mechanical geniuses”
Voi is offering new riders in the UK cities 15 minutes of free riding. New riders need to download the app, input a valid payment method and add ‘V5UK’ to their in-app wallet. The special offer expires on 30 June 2022.
Voi claims the V5 is its most circular vehicle yet with components that are easier to repair and reuse, plus more than double the amount of recycled materials. The commitment to sustainable design and manufacturing in the V5 is aligned to Voi’s Circular Vehicle Programme and integral to the company’s mission to become carbon positive by 2030.
“Producing a new model like this is the result of collaboration across the board, from warehouse staff to engineering experts, sustainability gurus to mechanical geniuses,” said Jack Samler, general manager at Voi UK and Ireland. “It is this Voi teamwork that has rapidly transformed our commitment to circularity and sustainability.
“We know that our riders will love the new V5 model because it’s suited to their everyday needs as it’s engineered for the city. We’re excited to continue delivering a world-class rental scheme to help decarbonise cities like Liverpool, Bristol and Bath and create better places for living.”
Increased e-bike rider usage
HumanForest completed a record 150,000 trips across London in May, up from 40,000 trips in March and 80,000 trips in April. In May, HumanForest e-bikes rode a total of 550,000 kilometres for 45,000 hours. The company reports June started strongly with visitor numbers up in the capital over the Jubilee weekend along with London’s tube strike, leading to double the number of trips for a normal Monday.
It is expecting numbers to continue to grow, as it opens more London Boroughs and launches the first of its cycle training academies.
“The huge growth in e-bike usage across London is a credit to the local councils who have worked tirelessly to bring schemes like HumanForest to their residents,” said Agustin Guilisasti, HumanForest founder and CEO. “By providing 10 minutes free daily, free parking in our virtual bays and training academies, HumanForest makes cycling accessible to everyone.”
A recent survey of the company’s users found that environmentalism is a leading driver of usage, with 68 per cent of users citing HumanForest’s eco-friendliness as the main reason why they opt for the company’s sustainable e-bike.
“The huge growth in e-bike usage across London is a credit to the local councils who have worked tirelessly to bring schemes like HumanForest to their residents”
Behind the scenes, the zero emission operator services the fleet with only electric vehicles, which are charged with certified renewable energy. The company will soon launch its fleet of electric mopeds, the first in London.
HumanForest e-bikes operate an advertising-led revenue model, whereby consumers receive an advert from partners before and after using a HumanForest e-bike. This allows customers to ride for free for 10 minutes each day and costs £0.15 per minute thereafter. HumanForest has developed a virtual parking bay system, called Green Bays, where users can park free-of-charge.
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