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Voi e-scooters are set to arrive in Portsmouth and Southampton on 16th and 18th March respectively.
The launch is part of a 12-month trial funded by the Department for Transport, which began on the Isle of Wight in November 2020. The trial is being led by Solent Transport, a partnership body that includes Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council, as well as Voi.
The operator is currently collaborating with the councils to confirm parking and riding zones and will share further details closer to the launch date.
Councillor Steve Leggett, cabinet member for green city and place for Southampton City Council, said: “We welcome the trial of rental e-scooters which will help to keep the city moving as we start to emerge from the pandemic in the spring, while also supporting our Green City Plan to tackle climate change by offering greener and healthier alternatives to the car.
“Crucially, rental e-scooters will also offer a unique way to get our visitors and residents more active.”
Councillor Lynne Stagg, Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member for traffic and transportation, added: “I’m delighted to support this regulated, rental e-scooter trial which will contribute towards our developing plans for a greener, cleaner and safer city.
“Our participation in the trial will feed into the DfT’s development of regulated, rental e-scooters as a versatile, affordable, convenient and low-energy alternative to the car. We’re working closely with Voi and Solent Transport to make sure this is introduced safely whilst also working with the police on the illegal use of privately owned e-scooters.”
