E-scooters return to Essex after contract agreed

Voi is suppling 1,200 of its Voiager 5 e-scooters, with Chelmsford set to be the first to receive the vehicles

Rental e-scooters have returned to the streets of Essex after a new operator was signed up to run the ongoing trial scheme.

Essex County Council has overseen an e-scooter trial in Chelmsford, Colchester and Braintree since December 2020.

The electric vehicles have not been available to hire since the contract with private company Dott expired on 13 August. A new contract has been agreed with Voi.

Tom Cunningham, the council's cabinet member for highways, said the return of e-scooters "supports our commitment to increasing sustainable transport options".

These e-scooters, operated by Dott, were removed from the streets earlier in the month

The Conservative-controlled council said there had been three million e-scooter journeys in Essex, as part of the trial.

A trial was also operated in Basildon, but vehicles were removed there in June after borough councillors voted to opt out of the scheme.

The first e-scooters were due to be delivered in Chelmsford on Wednesday. Dates have yet to be confirmed for their delivery to Colchester and Braintree.

The council said real-time GPS tracking and geofencing technology would be used to limit their speed and the vehicles being used on pavements.

Voi says it will also introduce mandatory parking zones in busy areas.

"They have a proven track record across the UK and Europe, as well as a strong focus on safety, innovation and accessibility, making them a great fit for the trial in Essex," said Mr Cunningham.

James Bolton, general manager at Voi UK, said the firm planned to offer "generous discounts, making sustainable travel affordable and accessible to all".

It is already running schemes in London and Cambridge.

Trial e-scooters can only be ridden on the road and in cycle lanes, and are not allowed for use on pavements.

Privately-owned e-scooters can be used on private land, but are generally illegal to ride on public roads and pathways.

The council says users will need to download a Voi app, must be aged 18 and must hold a full-driving licence.