Two million Voi rides in Oxford save carbon equivalent of taking 79 cars off the road
Sep 9, 2024
People in Oxford have now taken more than two million rides on Voi rental e-scooters and e-bikes.
Voi started operating scooters in Oxford in February 2021 and launched e-bikes in the city this July. Since then more than 105,000 people have signed up to ride the company’s coral-coloured rental e-scooters and e-bikes, covering a distance of more than 3 million miles.
According to Voi’s externally-validated carbon calculator, trips on the company’s e-scooters and e-bikes in Oxford have replaced an estimated 663,000 short car journeys.
The use of e-scooters and e-bikes instead of cars in Oxford has saved the city from nearly 357 tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide emissions - the equivalent of over 43.5 million smart phone charges.
Data from the most recent rider survey in Oxford reveals that 34% of riders used Voi for their commute to work or education, with 32% using them to travel to and from social engagements and 18% using them for errands and shopping.
Independent estate agent, Matthew Gardiner Legge, who uses Voi e-scooters for work in Oxford. Credit: Voi
Matthew Gardiner Legge, an independent estate agent in Oxford, uses Voi e-scooters for travelling around the city for valuations and viewings for his job.
He said: “For little trips of one, two or three miles I love using the Voi scooters. It’s just so convenient.”
James Bolton, general manager, Voi UK, said: “Our e-scooters and e-bikes have become a crucial part of Oxford’s public transport, with people relying on them to get to work, education or to meet up with friends.
“We’ve worked very closely with Oxfordshire County Council to make sure that our e-scooters and e-bikes are a benefit for the whole city.”
“It’s great to reach another milestone in supporting people in Oxford to choose a safe, affordable and sustainable method of transport in the city.”
Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Transport Management said: “It’s fantastic to see the continued popularity of the public hire e-scooters, and how versatile they are for helping people get about the city easily. Two million rides and counting is fantastic news.
“The benefits of more people swapping private car journeys for active travel options such as scooting, cycling, wheeling or walking are evident in how they help improve our local environment with less motor traffic, a reduction in air quality impacts, and contributing to a better feeling of wellbeing.”
Watch this video to hear how independent estate agent Matthew Gardiner Legge uses Voi e-scooters to get around the city for his job.
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