Voi boss welcomes the search for Bristol’s next e-scooter provider

The boss of Voi has welcomed the decision by West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to search for a new operator of e-scooters in Bristol.

Voi has operated the scooters in the city since the start of the trial in 2020 and will continue to do so until a new provider is found in early 2023 but the Swedish company has confirmed that it will apply for the tender to carry on.

To date, there have been 7.3 million rides on Voi scooters in the West of England and 19 million across the UK.

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.”