Controversial Voi e-scooter trial in Northampton set to be extended for another two years following review

A controversial e-scooter trial in Northampton is set to be extended for another two years – but major improvements to the scheme have been recommended.

A report reviewing the Voi e-scooter trial in the town has been published by West Northants Council (WNC) and has been recommended for approval at cabinet meeting on May 7.

The review was sparked in September 2023 following calls from opposition councillor Emma Roberts, which were backed by a majority vote and passed on to the council’s place overview and scrutiny committee to look into.

Voi e-scooters have become a divisive topic in the town over the last four years they have been in operation. Incidents involving the Voi e-scooters include deaths, transportation used prior to a murder, life-changing injuries, road traffic collisions and more.

The scrutiny committee said it considered a ‘significant’ amount of evidence over a six-week period, including the results of a public survey which received 2,663 responses.

The report recommends the council continues with the trial until May 2026. However, they emphasised the need for significant improvements.

These recommended improvements include:

Improving Geo-fence Areas: Enhancing speed controls, extending restricted zones, and ensuring e-scooters are not parked in critical locations like disabled and emergency access points.

Enhanced Parking: Utilising advanced technology and infrastructure to improve end-location parking, such as AI and parking frames.

Assessing New Technology: Evaluating emerging tech to eliminate twin riding, prevent e-scooters from riding on pavements, and enhance safety measures like night time visibility and registration number visibility.

Safety Reviews and Campaigns: Increasing safety measures through improved visibility, regular campaigns for riders on best practices, and encouraging helmet use.

Improving Complaints Procedure: Enhancing the process of tracking complaints with reference numbers and ensuring timely action and communication.

In response to recent recommendations, collaborative efforts between officers and Voi have been underway to implement necessary measures, according to the report. Here's an update on key actions:

Continuation of Trial: The Department for Transport has been notified of the intention to continue the E-Scooter trial, with improvements in progress. The contract will maintain a termination clause.

Geofenced Area Review: Agreements have been made to introduce new speed controls and restricted zones following a review.

Parking Enhancements: Reviews have led to the establishment of new parking zones and a no parking zone in key areas. Real-time photo validation for parking has been expanded across the town.

Safety Technology Development: Voi says it is committed to ongoing development to address twin riding and pavement use, with plans for improved fleet visibility through reflective livery.

Complaints Procedure Review: A review of the complaints procedure is planned for the summer to improve resident communication regarding issue-raising methods.

New Governance Structure: Monthly meetings with Voi, the contract management team, and police have been initiated. Quarterly meetings with key stakeholders are also scheduled.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): KPIs related to the contract will be reviewed at quarterly governance meetings.

Member Engagement: Biannual meetings with members have been scheduled for ongoing involvement.

Annual Report to Cabinet: Cabinet will receive an annual report on trial operation and roadmap progress.

Best Practice Integration: Officers are continuously seeking best practices to inform future policies, including infrastructure considerations in the Local Transport Plan.

Conclusion Report: A comprehensive report on the trial's success will be presented to cabinet at the trial's conclusion in May 2026, with scrutiny by the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee.