Electric scooters for hire return to Buckinghamshire trial areas

13/11/2024

Electric scooters for hire that were temporarily removed from Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Princes Risborough have now returned under a new supplier, Voi Technology – a leading European e-scooter operator.

Riders will need to download Voi’s app and register an account to use the new e-scooters:

Users of Zipp (the previous e-scooter operator) have been notified of how to download the Voi app and start using their e-scooters, enabling them to continue enjoying the convenience of e-scooter travel.

All the safety features, locations, parking bays and operating hours remain the same with Voi, with cheaper pricing, including monthly and daily passes as well as pay-as-you-go pricing, and discounts for certain groups including the NHS and students.

Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

“I am pleased to confirm that our trial e-scooters are now back in Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Princes Risborough with our new supplier, Voi. These e-scooters are the only ones legally permitted on Buckinghamshire highways and we will continue to work with Thames Valley Police to raise awareness of this.

“For riders, it will work with Voi in much the same way as before, although pricing is even cheaper and daily and monthly passes are also available. Just be sure to download their app and set up an account before you need to ride. You can get your first 30-minute ride free with the code H2UK.

“We appreciated the patience of riders whilst we worked with Zipp to secure a new supplier.”

The e-scooters, part of a Department for Transport trial until May 2026, were removed at the end of June due to Zipp Mobility’s insurance provider withdrawing from the UK market, forcing Zipp to stop operating.

The e-scooters proved popular, with nearly 350,000 rides covering more than 500,000 miles taken since the scheme was introduced. Buckinghamshire Council has therefore partnered with Voi to continue the trial, who has now assumed full responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the e-scooter scheme, helping to support a ‘green’ alternative to local travel that is convenient, clean and affordable.

James Bolton, Voi’s UK General Manager, commented:

“We are proud to be working with Buckinghamshire Council to give Bucks residents and commuters a safe, affordable, green choice to get around.

“As the UK’s leading e-scooter provider working across 14 towns and cities, we’ll bring our experience of running a sustainable, responsible e-scooter hire service that helps reduce emissions and connects people with local public transport.”

Find out more about the Buckinghamshire e-scooter schemes here:www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/e-scooters