Buckinghamshire electric scooter trial

We have implemented an electric scooter rental trial to help support a ‘green’ alternative to local travel that is convenient, clean and affordable and helps to mitigate reduced public transport capacity. E-scooters can reduce reliance on car trips, reduce congestion and improve air quality.

The Department for Transport (DfT) trial of rental e-scooters and legislation was introduced to allow e-scooters to use highways and cycle routes. Only e-scooters in an approved trial are legal. Privately owned scooters are still illegal on public networks.

The e-scooter rental scheme is operated by Voi.

The trial has been extended by the DfT until 31 May 2028 and is operational in Aylesbury and High Wycombe.

It aims to:

• inform decision making as to the potential to legalise e-scooter use in future
• evaluate safety
• measure the shift from other modes of transport
• increase acceptability to other road users and the community

Anyone wanting to hire an e-scooter must:

• be 18 or over
• hold at least a provisional driving licence

To hire the e-scooters on short term rental you need to download the Voi app on your smart phone:

• Download the app for iPhone
• Download the app for Android

Before your first ride you must take a photo of your driving licence and upload it to the Voi app to verify your identity. Once verified you can ride an e-scooter.

Voi offers a choice of:

• pay-as-you-go
• daily subscription
• monthly subscription

View the Voi app for up to date information on pricing.

Discounts are available for users who meet certain criteria.

All rides will have to start and finish in specified parking locations. If parking rules are not followed, you will continue to be charged.

You'll be fined if you repeatedly do not park the scooter appropriately. This can lead to you being blocked if you're a repeat offender.

You can use a trial electric scooter:

• on the road (except motorways)
• in cycle lanes and paths

You must not use an electric scooter on the pavement.

We have been consulting and engaging with disability groups, Thames Valley Police, Town Council/Committee and community boards to ensure high levels of safety for all.

Additional measures will be used including:

• all users will have to pass a mandatory in-app safety quiz before they ride and they will be encouraged to wear a helmet
• the speed limit is 15.5mph, as set by the DfT. We will also introduce lower speed zones in specific locations for safety reasons
• geo-fencing will be used to control the trial zones, ensuring we can dictate where the scooters can go; users who go outside these areas will find the scooter will slow down and stop so they cannot progress further
• the scooters are painted coral to make it easier for people with impaired vision to detect them
• the scooters are fitted with a bell
• each scooter is fitted with front and rear lights that are activated whenever the scooter is being used
• a kickstand is fitted to ensure the scooter stands up when parked
• scooters are fitted with registration numbers so they can be easily identified

Customer support is available via the Chat feature on the Voi app and website. You can also report issues online, for example bad parking and riding on pavements.

Privately owned e-scooters can only be used on private land, with the permission of the landowner. You cannot use a privately-owned e-scooter on the road, pavement or in a public space. If you do then you risk receiving a large fine, points on your driving licence and your e-scooter could be seized.

PC Dave Hazlett of Thames Valley Police Road Safety team has created an e-scooters guidance video.

The trial will continue to run until 31 May 2028.

We will be monitoring the scheme through:

• feedback from residents, users, members, town and parish councils and community boards and committees
• monthly usage and incident reports
• surveys through the Voi app

You can report:

• someone riding a scooter in an inappropriate manner or location
• an abandoned e-scooter

When reporting an incident, include a time, location and registration number if possible as it will be easier to identify the user.

You should report it directly on the Voi app or their website reporting form.