“I fell in love with the experience”: A closer look at how Voi is helping one Bristolian to ditch his car

Since the launch of the trial in Bristol, back in October 2020, over one million rides have been taken by over 100,000 riders, travelling nearly 3 million kilometres. Users choose Voi e-scooters for many different reasons – from commuting to work and running errands to meeting up with friends – and we, at Voi, love hearing about their experiences.

One of our users, Chris Francombe, a Security Manager from Bristol, told us how Voi changed his life for the better.

Tell me more about yourself, Chris?

I am 49 years old, I am married and I’ve got three children. I work as a Security Manager, and I’m passionate about technology, particularly security servicing.

What motivated you to try the Voi’s e-scooters?

I had seen them on the side of the road and wondered what they were. That evening I went to see one of my friends, and he encouraged me to have a go on one. So I decided to follow his advice. I downloaded the app and I signed up and I fell in love with the experience. I thought it was fantastic fun. The next day, I bought a helmet and gloves and decided to do it properly – that would be my new mode of transport, much more fun than driving a boring car. Every week I have been seeing my friends using the scooter, and I’ve been enjoying it!

How often do you use Voi scooters and for what purpose?

I am using Voi e-scooters twice a week, mostly to visit my friends, but with lockdown lifting and during the Summer time, I’m planning to use them a lot more.

What would you say are the top advantages of Voi rental scooters?

Voi e-scooters are fun and convenient and they are environmentally friendly. I believe they are going to be the future mode of transport, which everybody will start using.

Do you think Voi contributed to improving the way you move around town? Why?

I absolutely do. Every time I see somebody else on an e-scooter I think that’s another journey someone is not making by a car. To me, this is the main advantage of this new technology.

Bristol is quite a congested city, and if more people use e-scooters, this means they won’t be jumping in a car, and they will be having fun!

Do you think Voi scooters can help reduce pollution and congestion in your local area and why?

Yes, because fewer people will need to use their car. E-scooter usage has a double impact, it helps reduce congestion and it’s better for the environment.

What advice would you give to someone who never tried a Voi rental scooter?

I would say just try it. I found it so much fun and it can be a convenient way to get around to see your friends and family instead of taking the boring car.