A Swedish micromobility operator is expanding its e-bike service in London as it attempts to compete with existing operators such as Santander Cycles, Lime and Forest.
Voi has already deployed 500 dockless e-bikes in west London as part of a trial aimed at rethinking how shared vehicles can work more effectively across the capital.
It comes amid growing concerns from politicians and disability campaigners over poorly-parked dockless e-bikes and e-scooters obstructing pedestrians and other road users.
Last year, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called for a solution to the “Wild West” effect the vehicles have on London's pavements.
Earlier this month, Ealing became the first London borough to roll out Voi’s sharing programme, allowing riders to collect and leave the e-bikes in specially designated parking areas.
The demand for shared e-bikes in London is astronomical
Voi is rolling out two of its latest models for the launch: the Explorer 4 and the Explorer Light 1, the latter of which is 25 per cent lighter than standard e-bikes.
Usage will cost 49p to unlock and 18p per minute, Voi said.
Now Voi says the scheme is being expanded to neighbouring Hammersmith and Fulham, as well as Kensington and Chelsea, “to prove a new, more responsible approach to e-bikes is possible in the capital”.
It is currently in talks with the other local authorities over where and when it can launch more e-bikes.
Christina Moe Gjerde, Voi’s Vice-President for Northern Europe, said: “The demand for shared e-bikes in London is astronomical, but it’s clear for all to see that the status quo is not working for all Londoners.
“This is an exciting milestone for micromobility in London, and, we hope, the beginning of the journey towards a greener and healthier capital.”
As well as several locations in Europe, the company already operates e-bikes in Liverpool, Cambridge, Oxford, Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight.
Voi claims it is “delivering a responsible scheme that works for everyone” by running pilots before implementation — and giving transport authorities and councils real-time access to vehicle data to hold itself accountable.
Bosses are also engaging with cycling groups and other stakeholders to gather feedback to ensure the e-bikes are safe and accessible.
Voi celebrated bringing its e-bikes to London’s streets by hosting an event and test-ride in Ealing on Friday.
Ms Gjerde was joined by Labour’s Rupa Huq, the MP for Ealing Central and Acton, and Bassam Mahfoum, City Hall member for Ealing and Hillingdon.
TfL previously stated in November it is spending £1 million providing designated parking spaces for thousands of new e-bikes and e-scooters.
But the initiative — which includes 7,500 spaces on roads and 800 alongside Red Routes — comes with a warning that firms will be fined if their customers do not leave the vehicles in the correct spots.
There are already more than 30,000 dockless e-bikes in the capital and about 12,000 of TfL’s “Boris bikes”, which have to be left at docking stations.
London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman said: “Well-managed e-bikes are a crucial part of the London transport network, so it’s great that Voi has introduced this pilot to parts of London that don’t currently benefit from e-bike hire schemes.
“Offering Londoners even more options to travel sustainably builds on the great work the Mayor has undertaken in the capital to enable more people to walk and cycle.”
