As a part of our Voi 4 Heroes initiative, Swedish micromobility brand Voi is offering NHS and Emergency Service Workers free access to e-scooters and e-bikes during the lockdown. To access the e-bikes for free, users have to upload their NHS identity, Blue Light Card, or Defence Discount Service to the Voi app or website to be eligible.
Further, Voi has also launched e-bike rental schemes in three trial areas in the UK — Cambridge, Kettering, and Peterborough. Starting from January 21st, residents will be able to hire Voi e-bikes to circulate safely while adhering to the social distancing recommendations.
According to the company, the e-scooters are the best choice for short commutes, 1-3miles, while e-bikes are more appropriate for slightly longer commute times – 3-9 miles.
20 e-bikes for rent
Each region will have 20 e-bikes to hire. In Cambridge and Peterborough, they will be available to hire 24/7, while in Kettering they are available from 4 AM to 11 PM. Under UK regulation, Voi e-bikes cut power assistance when their speed reaches 15.5 mph, or when the rider stops pedalling.
Rules
However, certain rules need to be followed. Users need to be 18 years old and over, are required to download the Voi app, available for free on Apple App Store or Google Play, and will have to present at least a provisional license.
Pricing
In the U.K., it costs £1 to unlock the e-bike and then £0.15 per minute of usage. Voi also offers 24-hour (at £10) and 30-day (at £40) subscriptions that allow users to take an unlimited number of rides at a fixed rate. Also, there are discounts for students and low-income individuals.
Richard Corbett, Regional General Manager of UK, Ireland, and Benelux for Voi, said: “Micro-mobility has proven to be a critical lifeline during the pandemic. Building on the e-scooter trials’ success, we are delighted to bring our green multimodal offer to Cambridge, Peterborough, and Kettering. E-bikes are a perfect complement to our shared e-scooters hire scheme, offering key workers two safe ways to move whilst social distancing.”
James Palmer, Cambridgeshire, and Peterborough Mayor said: “There’s no doubt the coming weeks are going to be challenging for key workers and I’m pleased to be able to offer a free public transport option to help doctors, nurses, Emergency Service workers, and other critical staff get to and from work safely. It is a clear demonstration of our commitment to new public transport options that are effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly.”
Jason Smithers, Cabinet Member for Highways and Place for Northamptonshire County Council said: “The e-scooter trials in Northampton and Kettering are already proving to be a real boost in improving access to greener, more sustainable, and affordable transport. Voi has done a fantastic job so far in delivering these schemes both in Northampton and Kettering.
Rochelle Mathieson, Head of Commercial & Economic Development at Kettering Borough Council, said: “Following on from the success of the e-scooter scheme, it’s exciting to be able to provide another sustainable and affordable way to get around the area. Among the many benefits of introducing e-bikes, this initiative also provides a greener alternative for travel in and around the town, which is a fantastic resource during these unprecedented times.”
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