E-Bikes FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do e-bikes work with the same app as e-scooters?  How does it work?
Yes, e-bikes use the same Voi app as e-scooters and the process to start using one is the same. To get started, a user needs to download the Voi app from the App Store or Google Play to create an account. A user can locate an available e-bike in the app. When the user is standing next to the e-bike, they can unlock it with the app.

Do users need a driving license to ride an e-bike?
E-bikes riders need to be aged 16+ (vs. 18+ for e-scooters) and do not require a driver’s license to ride an e-bike. This is in line with other sharing schemes nationally

What traffic rules apply to e-bikes?
The same rules which apply to bicycles and e-scooters apply to e-bikes.

Voi worked with VIAS research institute and developed 8 points for safe riding. These points are based on United Kingdom traffic rules, signs, signals and general safety precautions.

  1. Use dedicated cycling infrastructure
  2. Watch out for pedestrians
  3. Signal to other road users
  4. Ride on the left side of the road or cycle lane
  5. Obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals
  6. Do not drink and ride
  7. Pay attention and adapt your riding to your surroundings
  8. Keep your distance and stay alert

Does RideLikeVoila have sections dedicated to e-bikes?
Our online schools are focused on e-scooters, but the same traffic rules that apply to e-scooters are also applicable to e-bikes (more info above).

Do you need to wear a helmet to ride a Voi e-bike?
You should wear a cycle helmet when using an e-bike. Helmets are recommended but are not a legal requirement.

Make sure that your cycle helmet conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and is securely fastened.

Wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing so that other road users can see you in daylight, poor light and in the dark.

How much will it cost to rent an e-bike?
Check the Voi app for the most up to date prices.

In addition, Voi there are discounts for students, those on a low income (Voi 4 All) and NHS and Emergency workers (Voi 4 Heroes).

Are e-bikes also geofenced with no ride, slow ride and no parking areas?
Yes, e-bikes also use geofencing to ensure no ride, slow ride and no parking zones are observed. However, while the motor will slow down or switch off by geofencing, it is still possible for the user to pedal the e-bike.

Where can e-bikes be parked?
E-bikes can be parked in the same areas as e-scooters. Where there are mandatory parking rides can only be finished if the e-bike is within the mandatory parking area.

Will e-bikes have parking racks?
E-bikes will be parked in the same areas as e-scooters.

As the number of vehicles increases, we will work with local authorities to ensure the necessary parking infrastructure is in place.

What will Voi and Cambridge do to keep streets safe from e-scooter clutter?
We will work together to make sure there are clearly designated parking areas for e-scooters and e-bikes, through technology and incentives. Voi manages its fleet daily to make sure that it is not causing clutter and will be able to quickly identify any problem areas where we can look at initiatives to prevent it happening in the first place.

Do Voi e-bikes have number plates?
Yes, e-bikes will be fitted with number plates so they can easily be identified and reported.

What’s the maximum speed for e-bikes?
E-bikes are assisted up to 15.5mph (25km/h).

How long can the e-bike ride before the battery needs to be charged?The e-bike has a range of up to 50km (31miles).

Are e-bikes limited to the same geographical area as e-scooters?
Yes, e-bikes are bound by the same geographical area as e-scooters.

Voi uses Geofencing to create a virtual geographic boundary, enabling software to trigger a response when a mobile device enters or leaves a particular area. When an e-bike goes beyond a certain boundary, it     s speed will gradually reduce. We do not stop the bike motor completely, because this could be dangerous for the rider, and they will still be able to pedal.

Users can see their locations and operating zone in the in-app map.

How can someone ride a Voi e-bike safely?
We believe in pushing safety through rider education. New riders can earn credits from completing modules of our Ride Like Voila traffic school.

Riders can also learn important tips from the Voi app. There should only be one rider per bike. Riders should follow the Highway Code, wear a helmet, avoid riding on pavements, abide by speed limits, and keep vigilant.

How can rider behaviour or incidents be reported?
If you see a Voi e-scooter or e-bike being operated in an unsafe manner please report it either by email support@voiapp.io or tel: +44 7476 550190 or web: report.voi.com. Each Voi vehicle has an ID number – much like a number plate, if you can quote this it helps them identify the user otherwise, knowing the time and location can also help identify the user and for Voi to take action.

How does Voi work with the local police force?
Local police forces have been briefed on all aspects of the service prior to launch, and Voi’s local operations in Cambridge are working with city centre police to ensure safety.

sustainability

How sustainable are Voi’s e-bikes?
Voi’s e-bikes are a safe, sustainable choice of transportation. Similarly to e-scooters, e-bikes are an important catalyst for people to leave their cars behind when travelling in dense urban areas.

Read Voi’s latest environmental report here: https://www.voi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Voi-Vision-Statement-2022.pdf

Voi is committed to ensuring our e-bikes have a similar environmental performance to our e-scooters. We will also ensure transparent and precise carbon accounting for this service by conducting a carbon footprint assessment to verify the above assumptions and measure all environmental impacts of our e-bikes.

As a company, Voi has been operating carbon-neutral operations since January 2020.