Voi rolls out 220 new lighter e-bikes in Cambridge in global first

A new lighter e-bike has been rolled out to hire on the streets of Cambridge by Voi.

The Explorer Light 1 (EL1) weighs 24 per cent less than the model that has been in use in the city.

Voi has deployed 220 of the e-bikes, which feature an aluminium alloy frame and automatically adjust the power assist when they detect they are being ridden uphill.

A new simple dashboard is designed to help users identify parking zones for the rental bikes and slow zones

James Bolton, Voi’s UK general manager, said: “Voi has invested in brand new lighter e-bikes in Cambridgeshire, to make it easier for more people to choose an easy, green, safe way to get about the city. Cambridge is the first city to get these electric powered bikes, which are 10kg lighter - the equivalent of losing two bowling bowls.

James said the rental scheme has proved popular since Voi introduced it in 2020, helping cut 705 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).

“Cantabrigians and visitors have made over 4.3 million rides, meaning 1.4 million fewer car trips,” he explained.

The new vehicles have been added to the existing fleet to help serve more areas of the city.

The e-bikes also feature a ring-shaped status light, to help users to see their availability from any direction. And the seat adjustment has been updated so that it is smoother to use.

There are plans to double the existing area that Voi’s e-scooters and e-bikes can be picked up in Cambridge during 2025, with the zone due to grow north, south, east and west.

Initial changes were made on 18 December that made it possible to travel along the Histon to Girton link and commute to the University of Cambridge’s Laundry farm.