E-scooters are increasingly popular in the West Midlands, thanks to the trial Voi rental scheme put in place by West Midlands Combined Authority.
We’ve pulled together some tips and videos to help you use them safely.
You must have either a provisional or full driving licence, valid in the UK, to ride a Voi e-scooter. You can find out more about licence requirements for EU or other overseas licences on the government website.
Before every journey, always check your e-scooter is safe to ride by following the video guide below from Voi.
General tips:
- plan your journey
- carry a mobile phone for emergencies
- wear a helmet and appropriate clothing, ensuring it makes you visible to other road users
- ride on roads with speed limits up to 30mph, or in cycle lanes
- ride on suitable road surfaces – avoid uneven surfaces, gravel and grass
- avoid distractions, like using headphones or your phone, while riding.
While riding an e-scooter you should NOT ride:
- on pavements, canal towpaths or motorways
- while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- with more than one person on the scooter.
Riding an e-scooter is the same as driving a car – you need to stick to the same rules and laws and be mindful of other road users.
Park safely and responsibly. Use a designated e-scooter parking zone. If none is available, leave it against a wall or edge of the pavement so you’re being considerate of others and those with disabilities.
Visit the Voi riding school website for more tips, and even earn free rides! https://www.voiscooters.com/ride-safe/
This guidance is only for the Voi scooters being used as part of the government-approval trial scheme. It is still against the law to use any other e-scooter other than on private land. If you use a private scooter on public highways or land you could:
- face a fine
- you could get penalty points on your licence
- the e-scooter could be impounded
Further information on privately owned e-scooters can be found here on the government website.
