Voi e-bikes rolled out in Cambridge and Peterborough

Cambridge's famous University landmarks can now be seen via e-bike.

Voi has announced the launch of electric bikes for public hire in Cambridge and Peterborough City centres. 

Cambridge and Peterborough residents will be able to hire Voi e-bikes to move safely while making essential journeys while adhering to the social distancing recommendations, according to the authority.

Initially, there will be 20 e-bikes available to rent in each city and they will be available 24 hours a day seven days a week. Voi e-bikes can be pedalled and are assisted by an electric motor up to 15.5mph. When fully charged, Voi’s e-bike can ride up to 31 miles, with the provider promising the bikes will always remain powered up, and batteries swapped out by the Voi teams overnight.

Similarly to e-scooters, to ride an e-bike, users need to be 18 years old and over, are required to download the Voi app, available for free on Apple App Store or Google Play, and will have to present at least a provisional driver’s license.

It costs £1 to unlock the e-bike and then £0.15 per minute of usage. Voi also offers 24-hour (at £10) and 30-day (at £40) subscriptions that allow users to take an unlimited number of rides at a fixed rate. In addition, there are discounts for students and those on a low income.

As part of its Voi 4 Heroes initiative, Voi is offering NHS and Emergency Service Workers free access to e scooters and e bikes during the lockdown, so it is easier for them to move around town in a socially distanced manner. To be eligible, users must upload their NHS identity, Blue Light Card or Defence Discount Service to the Voi app or website.

 “There’s no doubt the coming weeks are going to be challenging for key workers and I’m pleased to be able to offer a free public transport option to help doctors, nurses, Emergency Service workers and other critical staff get to and from work safely,” said Mayor James Palmer. Mayor

“E-scooters have already proven to be an important mode of transportation during these times, and e-bikes will help key workers go further where it’s needed.

“I am proud of the part we have played at the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority to quickly bring forward these innovative schemes, delivering for local residents without compromising on safety. It is a clear demonstration of our commitment to new public transport options that are effective, efficient and environmentally friendly.”

Richard Corbett, Regional General Manager of UK, Ireland and Benelux for Voi, added: “Micro-mobility has proven to be a critical lifeline during the pandemic. Following the e-scooter trial’s success, we are delighted to bring our green multimodal offer to Cambridge and Peterborough. E-bikes are a perfect complement to our shared e-scooters hire scheme, offering key workers two safe ways to commute in a socially distanced way.”