Voi Technology has become the exclusive provider of rental e-scooters and e-bikes across Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight, offering sustainable transport options for residents, workers and students.
Rental Requirements and Safety Guidelines
The rental e-scooter trial forms part of a national initiative to build more sustainable transport networks. To access Voi’s rental e-scooters, users must be aged 18 or over and possess at least a provisional driving licence, which requires scanning through the app before the first ride. For e-bikes, the minimum age requirement is 16 years with no licence needed.
Voi has utilised the existing docking infrastructure previously used by Beryl bikes, maximising available parking bays whilst keeping footways organised and clutter-free.
Operating Hours and Locations
In Portsmouth, rental e-scooters are available between 4am and 10pm, whilst e-bikes operate 24 hours daily. Both vehicles can be used on roads, cycle paths and shared-use paths within Portsmouth, but are prohibited on pedestrian-only pavements unless clearly marked as shared-use paths.
Pricing Structure
The service operates on a pay-per-use model with a £0.99 unlock fee plus 18p per minute. Alternative options include:
- Day pass: £10 (maximum 120 minutes)
- Monthly passes: £39.99 (300 minutes) or £54.99 (750 minutes)
- Monthly Free Unlock Pass: £4.99 per month
Voi offers discounts for NHS staff, military personnel, students, over-65s, disabled people and those on low incomes.
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Safety Features and Speed Limits
Rental e-bikes are limited to 15.5mph whilst e-scooters have a 12mph speed cap. Geofencing technology automatically reduces speeds in designated “go-slow” zones to either 8mph or 5mph, particularly in busy pedestrian areas like Palmerston Road South and Osborne Road. Complete no-ride zones, such as Guildhall Square, will automatically stop vehicles.
Legal Framework
Portsmouth’s rental e-scooter scheme operates as an approved component of the Department for Transport’s national trial. Privately-owned e-scooters remain illegal except on private land with landowner permission. The trial has been extended until May 2026 as part of the Solent Transport Future Transport Zone programme.
Accessing the Service
Users can download either the free Breeze app or Voi app to locate, unlock and rent vehicles. All journeys must begin and end at designated parking bays, with users required to submit an end-of-ride photograph for compliance monitoring.
The service includes third-party liability insurance as mandated by the Department for Transport. Users experiencing problems can contact Voi through their apps, email support@voi.com, or call the 24-hour helpline on 07476 550190.
