E-scooter operating hours have been extended in Southampton so that the vehicles are now available later at night – with research suggesting people feel safer scooting rather than walking after dark.
Funded by the UK Department for Transport’s (DfT) Solent Future Transport Zone programme, e-scooters from CiTTi Awards 2023 finalist Voi will now operate until 11pm, reflecting data that shows high usage at night in Southampton.
Feedback suggests that people feel safer taking an e-scooter at night, with one in five women saying they feel safer on an e-scooter rather than walking or taking public transport.
The change is also in line with Voi’s aim that users should be able to rely on e-scooter service as much during night hours and that late hours should not limit choices of transport in cities.
Councillor Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for environment and transport at Southampton City Council, who also appeared in a feature on Solent Transport in the September 2023 issue of CiTTi Magazine, said: “Following on from feedback, we are pleased to extend our operating hours until 11pm.
“This extra hour gives an additional, more flexible option for all, especially to shift workers and those without access to a car later on at night.”
According to Voi data, there is no discernible impact on accident rates when e-scooters are used at night.
To tackle and prohibit riding under the influence during night hours, the company has developed a reaction test that blocks users from starting a ride if they show signs of intoxication.
Innovations and achievements in micromobility, shared mobility and road safety will be highlighted and celebrated at the second annual CiTTi Awards on 21 November 2023 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table today!
