E-scooter trial in Oxford

Visitors and residents of Oxford can hire e-scooters as part of a government trial. Voi Technology operates our rental scheme and aims to support residents and visitors accessing and travelling within the city.

E-scooters can be used on the road, cycle lanes and shared cycle/footpaths within the trial area but not on pavements. GPS tracks the scooters, and are regularly serviced. 

Getting started

To ride a scooter, download the Voi app and upload a copy of your valid full or provisional driving licence. Provisional licenses can be obtained in one week, through an online application. 

It costs £1 to unlock the scooter and then 22p per minute of the ride. There are also several subscriptions to make unlimited rides at a fixed rate. Voi is offering discounted rides to students, those of low income, NHS and emergency service staff.

How to find one

They can be found in various parking sites in Oxford. These locations can be seen on the Voi app. Their distinctive coral colour easily identifies Voi e-scooters. Voi is written in white on the scooter’s handlebar shaft.

Parking sites are subject to regular review throughout the trial.

In Oxford, users can only end their rides in mandatory parking zones, which are clearly identified in the app.

Where you can ride

Each e-scooter is tracked via GPS. We have created a virtual boundary with slow-ride and no-ride zones. If an e-scooter is taken outside this virtual boundary, software will gradually reduce the speed. Users can see their locations and operating zone on the in-app map.

• All the e-scooters are limited to 12.5 mph.
• In a no-ride zone (see Voi app for locations), the motor is slowed to 3 mph, allowing it to be pushed to the operating area. Failure to do so will result in a £25 fine against the user’s account.
• In a slow-ride zone (see Voi app for locations), the motor is capped at 5 mph.

Using an e-scooter

You can locate an available scooter in the app. When standing next to the scooter use the app to unlock it. Voi has created videos on how to ride a scooter safely. Alternatively, you can use Voi’s online traffic school Ride Safe Academy to learn how to ride a scooter.

Riders should follow the Highway Code, wear a helmet, never ride on pavements, abide by speed limits, and keep vigilant of their surroundings. Riding is not allowed on the pavement – only on cycle lanes and roads.  

Voi employs a local team to track usage and manage the distribution of e-scooters throughout the day. This means they are available where users want them.

E-scooters will be available for hire 24 hours a day.

They can't be folded or collapsed in any way and can't be taken on public transport or train stations.

How to park

E-scooters should only be parked in mandatory parking zones, which are clearly identified in the app. There is advice on the Voi website about how to park properly. Ensure you park where it’s accessible for other users (never indoors or in a courtyard). It should never block pathways, accessibility ramps, driveways, crosswalks or cars. Please consider pedestrians, especially visually impaired people and people with wheelchairs or buggies, when parking.

You need a licence

Riders must have a provisional or full driving licence. This is mandated by the Department of Transport (DfT), and Voi also believes that it helps ensure people know the rules of the road and will be more responsible riders. Riders cannot begin their first ride without first verifying their licence in the app. 

Insurance

Voi maintains motor third-party liability insurance for all trips per DfT requirements.

Suggesting new parking spots

You can suggest a new parking spot via the Voi website. Your request will be reviewed by Voi and any suitable locations will be discussed and considered by us.
 

Reporting problems and feedback

If you encounter any issues with the e-scooter trial, such as the location of parked e-scooters, misplaced scooters, or inappropriate riding behaviour including underage riding (below the age of 18), you should report it to Voi.

Each e-scooter has a unique four-digit alphanumeric number plate located on the side and back of the frame to help identify and report anti-social usage.

To provide feedback on the wider trial contact the team

Enforcement

If Voi receive a report of an offence they will always take action against the rider responsible. To do this, Voi will ask for supporting information, including the date, time, and place of the offence, and, if possible, the scooter’s reference code (on a four-digit number plate on the side and back of the e-scooter). 

To ensure scooters are used safely and in accordance with the local traffic regulations, Voi has a three-strike policy through which users who do not follow the e-scooter rules will see their accounts blocked temporarily or permanently. 

On the first strike the user is blocked for a week and is advised to review the safety content provided by Voi (Ride Safe Academy), on the second strike the user is blocked for a month and has to complete the Ride Safe Academy before being able to use the service again on the third strike the user is blocked permanently and won't be able to use the service again.

Any account found to be used by an underage rider will automatically be permanently banned, regardless of the number of strikes previously issued.

The following behaviours may lead to suspending a Voi account (immediate and permanent suspension for underage riding and the three-strike policy is applied for the rest of the offences):

• Twin riding
• Underage riding
• Riding under the influence of alcohol or other substances
• Riding on the pavement
• Riding outside the Voi operational zone
• Riding dangerously on the road
• Parking scooters incorrectly

Feedback

For feedback on the wider trial please contact the team

Background to the trial

The e-scooter trial launched in Oxford on 18 February 2021 and is due to end on 31 May 2026. The Department for Transport (DfT) is collecting and evaluating data from all the e-scooter trials around the country. The evaluation of feedback and data from the trial is expected to inform future decisions about e-scooters. 

This trial is one of several trials permitted in local areas across the UK, in response to social distanced movement and transport challenges arising from coronavirus (COVID-19). 

E-scooters used in the trial are approved by vehicle orders issued by the Secretary of State. 

These trials are pursued within the scope of the Emergency Active Travel Plan announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) on 9 May 2020 and are conducted under the Electric Scooter Trials and Traffic Signs (Coronavirus) Regulations and General Directions 2020 (SI 2020/663).

Objectives

1. Support safe commuting to work and education as an alternative while social distancing measures are in place
2. Reduce private car use and reduce congestion
3. Contribute towards the reduction in air pollution and carbon emissions
4. Test perceptions and attitudes towards new mobility solutions

E-scooters provide a convenient and accessible form of travel for point-to-point- journeys or the first and last mile of public transport. This helps to reduce the need for short car journeys, improving air quality. They will also contribute towards the reduction in congestion and carbon emissions.

The plans also form part of our response to the government’s active travel grant awarded in 2020. In Oxford, the scooters will reap the benefits of a freshly reinvigorated active travel network from this funding.

After the trial

Voi and Oxfordshire County Council will evaluate the data based on previously agreed-upon terms. The DfT will evaluate all the trials separately through its own monitoring and evaluation exercise. We will publish a report on this website about the programme's future.

Further information and guidance

• DfT guidance on scooter trials: guidance for local areas and rental operators - Government information about the e-scooter trials including regulatory changes, trial requirements and monitoring and evaluation of the trials.
• E-scooter trials: guidance for users - Government guidance on where you are allowed to ride an e-scooter rented as part of a government trial, how to travel safely, licensing guidance and the rules of the road.
• The Road traffic regulation act 1984 – section 64 and 65 authorisation of traffic signs and special directions; awarded to OCC by the Secretary of State for Transport (pdf format, 2.3Mb)
• The Vehicle Special Order (VSO) awarded to Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) by the Department for Transport (DfT) to conduct the trial (pdf format, 418Kb)