West of England Mayor asks for independent study on e-scooter safety

It comes as e-scooter companies are being asked to compete to run a long-term rental scheme across Bristol and Bath

A trial of e-scooters in the west country, that's been ongoing since 2020, is due to end shortly
Author: James DiamondPublished 2nd Nov 2022

We can reveal the Mayor of the West of England has asked for an independent study on the safety of e-scooters, as he considers which company should provide a rental scheme in the region from 2023.

Swedish company Voi has already been running such a scheme across Bristol and Bath since 2020, but only on a trial basis, which is due to end before the new year.

Earlier this week Dan Norris, who leads the West of England Combined Authority and is in charge of transport policy in the region, began a tender process calling on other companies like Voi to bid to run a similar scheme long term, from next year.

"What I am very keen to do is to make sure we get the very best deal for people right across the West of England when it comes to e-scooters," he said.

"So, I have given out a notice to the market to make sure that people are aware that we are looking for one or more companies if necessary, to provide these services in the future.

"We need it to be competitive to keep prices down and quality of service high."

Millions of rides have been carried out on Voi's e-scooters across Bristol and Bath since their trial began two years ago, making it the most successful trial of e-scooters anywhere in the UK.

However, Mr Norris says he does have some concerns around their safety.

Just last week (October 26) a woman was left with life threatening injuries after being hit by a car while riding an e-scooter in Bristol.

"It's clearly been a very successful trial...but what you won't hear from any provider in a trial is about any of the downsides," Mr Norris said.

"There are without question injuries that are caused or are a consequence of using an e-scooter...so we need to understand that and know that because I understand in our area, I think there were around 100 people injured last year and there were only eight the year before.

"Now that could be reflected by greater take up, so it may not be significant, but I want to get to the bottom of that."

Earlier this year research was published in fact suggesting that riding an e-scooter is five times safer than riding a bike or a motorbike, but Mr Norris pointed to the fact the research was in part from another e-scooter provider called Neuron, and so, he said, cannot be totally relied upon.

"It's got some merit...but what I'm doing because I need to be more objective than that, is I've asked the University of the West of England (UWE) to deliver a study and a report on e-scooter safety, because we need to take it away from those vested interests and look at it in a scientific and objective way."

Mr Norris says he hopes he will receive that report by the Spring.

It remains to be seen whether Voi scooters, which have become a common sight across Bristol and Bath, will win the bidding process.

Despite the success of their trial the company has faced some controversy this year, after it emerged two of their shareholders are Russians with links to the Kremlin.

Mr Norris though, confirmed that despite hoping the pair are bought out of the company, he cannot legally allow their involvement to impact his decision in the tendering process, because the pair are investors in Voi totally legally.

"I cannot allow that to effect my thinking," he said.

"But I have been very candid with them...where I've said to Voi the people of the West of England would frown upon them as a company if they still have those associations with Russian shareholders who have dubious backgrounds, so they need to deal with that."

As a minimum, Voi will continue to provide e-scooters in the west country until the tender process is completed.

Asked by us to comment, a spokesperson for UWE confirmed they have indeed been asked to study e-scooter safety.

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