The next new version of the Voi e-scooter is being launched today on the streets of Bath and Bristol.
It’s called the ‘Voiager 5’ - or V5 model, and the Swedish firm behind the scooter hire pilot scheme promise it will be be better, more durable and more reliable than the existing e-scooters, that have been ridden around the streets of Bristol for almost two years now.
Bristol and Bath are among the first cities in the UK to get the new version of the Voi e-scooter - Bristol itself has the highest number of miles ridden on the scooters than anywhere else in Europe, and the pilot scheme is being hailed as a big success in the city.
Read more: New model of Voi e-scooters rolled out in Bristol today
Voi bosses said the new e-scooter has a larger front wheel, better brakes and tyres and the deck riders stand on is higher off the ground, so it’s better for riding over Bristol’s many potholes. As part of the roll-out, Voi e-scooter riders will get 15 minutes free ride on one of the new scooters.
“The Voiager 5 model encapsulates Voi’s values, from pushing boundaries when it comes to safe and inclusive design, to riding together so that we can create better cities for living, free of congestion and pollution,” said Voi’s general manager Jack Samler. “Producing a new model like this is the result of collaboration across the board, from warehouse staff to engineering experts, sustainability gurus to mechanical geniuses. It is this Voi teamwork that has rapidly transformed our commitment to circularity and sustainability.
“We know that our riders in Bristol and Bath will love the new V5 model because it’s suited to their everyday needs as it’s engineered for the city. We’re excited to continue delivering a world-class rental scheme to decarbonise these cities and create better places for living,” he added.
What’s new about the V5?
Voi have listed all the changes they are introducing to the newer model, which will be rolled out on the streets of Bath and Bristol today (Tuesday, June 6).
“The V5 has a larger front wheel and increased tyre tread depth for improved safety, along with greater shock absorption for smooth rides even on rough surfaces,” said a Voi spokesperson. “Additionally, the height increase between the road and the rider prevents the scraping of the foot deck. This means that the wheels can navigate potholes more easily, allowing the rider to travel more smoothly on roads around Bristol and Bath.
“With safety always of the utmost importance, the V5’s brakes are even more durable and sturdy than ever before. The reinforced brake cables are now easier to access for mechanics, which reduces the scooter’s time spent in the warehouse for maintenance and increases the fleet availability for riders.
“Other new benefits of the V5 include improved accuracy and precision, allowing riders to end their rides at designated parking spots with significantly more accuracy, and greater street accessibility. This means that riders and non-riders can scan the QR code using their smartphone camera to easily let Voi’s local teams know if a vehicle is wrongly parked, so they can take care of it,” he added.
Voi said it had also consulted with a wide range of groups, to try to make their scooters as accessible to people who may, for one reason or another, not have ridden before - groups like Open Inclusion and Women in Transport. Some of the design changes have been made with women in mind - the brakes, indicator switch and bell are closer together so smaller hands can reach all three, the indicators auto-cancel like in a car, the phone holder is in the middle rather than off to one side, and is integrated into the handlebars rather than rattling around on top.
Want our best stories with fewer ads and alerts when the biggest news stories drop? Download our app on iPhone or Android
