The third phase of installing the new Voi electric bikes in Aberdeen is to start this week while a total of 55,000 journeys have been taken on them so far.
Phase three areas include Persley, Danestone, Bridge of Don, Altens, Cove, and Charleston. The University of Aberdeen has also approved parking bays at the Old Aberdeen Campus and Hillhead student accommodation.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “It is great to see the Voi ebikes being rolled out to more parts of the city.
“Having the ebikes available in these areas means more people will be able to take advantage of using them.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “Lots of people have been using the ebikes around the city centre which has been great to see.
“It’s great that so many trips have been taken on the ebikes since they started in operation two months ago.”
Harry Foskin, Senior Public Policy Manager at Voi, said: “We’re proud to be working with Aberdeen City Council to bring our latest generation of e‑bikes to even more neighbourhoods across the city. Passing 55,000 rides in just two months shows how keen people in Aberdeen are to choose a convenient, low‑carbon way to get around, and expanding into areas like Persley, Bridge of Don, Altens and Cove will help even more residents and students make sustainable everyday trips.”
The last two phases, four and five, of installing the ebikes will take place after the phases three work is completed.
People can use the free-to-download Voi app to rent the ebikes. All riders can get their first ride for free by entering the code SCOTLAND in the app, which provides 15 minutes without charge. The ebikes are free to unlock for the first three months, with the pay-as-you-go tariff of 18p per minute or 20 minutes for £1.75. The minimum age for hiring an ebike is 16 years old. More information on usage is available at https://voi.com/blog/aberdeen-your-e-bikes-are-here
People using the new ebikes are reminded:
- Road safety is everyone’s responsibility;
- Always wear a helmet when using the ebikes;
- Follow the Highway Code;
- Keep your eyes on the road and do not use your phone;
- Make sure you can hear so do not wear earphones or play loud music.
The fleet of coral-coloured ebikes consist of two types of ebike. The Explorer 4 which is a full-size ebike, designed for commuter journeys with a heavier, more stable frame and larger wheels. The second is the Explorer Light 1 which is about 25% lighter, with a lower step-through frame and smaller wheels making it easier to handle and more accessible for smaller or less confident riders and is ideal for shorter city trips.
Voi already manages ebike hire schemes in Edinburgh and Glasgow and operates in more than 100 cities across Europe including London, Paris, and Stockholm.