The City of Le Havre is about to experience a transformation in its electric mobility options. Starting from January 15, 2025, the Swedish company Voi will introduce its fleet of red and black electric scooters and bikes, replacing the existing Lime scooters that have been part of the city since 2021. Users can easily access these vehicles by downloading the free Voi app.
Initially, Voi will roll out 1,000 scooters and 350 bikes, aiming to expand to a total of 1,500 scooters and 500 bikes during peak season, according to the company’s director. The service area will broaden to include previously underserved neighborhoods and will maintain designated parking spots.
Safety is a priority with the maximum speed for scooters set at 25 km/h. Certain busy areas, like City Hall Square, will have speed restrictions for enhanced safety. Voi will also establish a physical store in downtown Le Havre on Rue Edouard-Herriot, where users can test rides, receive advice, and perform minor repairs, as well as acquire helmets and vests.
The pricing structure provides a slightly lower rate compared to Lime, charging 22 cents per minute and a one-time fee of 1 euro to unlock a vehicle. Discounts will be available for students and other qualifying individuals.
With enhanced features such as a phone holder on each vehicle and identity verification for users under 16, Voi aims to promote a safe and enjoyable riding experience for everyone in Le Havre.
Le Havre Transforms Urban Mobility with New Electric Scooter and Bike Fleet
The City of Le Havre is set to revolutionize its urban transportation with the introduction of a new fleet of electric scooters and bikes from the Swedish company Voi. Beginning January 15, 2025, Le Havre will see a complete overhaul of its existing shared mobility options, transitioning from Lime scooters to a more extensive Voi offering.
### Key Features of Voi’s New Service
Voi plans to launch an initial fleet comprising **1,000 electric scooters** and **350 electric bikes**, with an expansion goal of **1,500 scooters** and **500 bikes** by peak season. This strategic increase aims to address mobility needs throughout the city, particularly in areas that have been underserved in the past.
Voi’s service will boast designated parking spots to enhance organization and accessibility, ensuring that users can easily locate and park vehicles. The company is committed to safety; in that regard, scooters will have a maximum speed limit of **25 km/h**, with further restrictions in high-traffic areas such as City Hall Square to mitigate risks for pedestrians and riders alike.
### Safety and Convenience Measures
In a bid to promote safety, Voi will implement identity verification for users under 16, ensuring that younger riders are properly accounted for. Additionally, each scooter and bike will be equipped with modern conveniences, including a **phone holder**, allowing users to navigate easily while riding.
### Physical Store and Local Engagement
A significant enhancement to the user experience will be the establishment of a **physical store** in downtown Le Havre on Rue Edouard-Herriot. This location will serve multiple purposes: it will allow users to experience test rides, receive practical riding advice, conduct minor repairs, and purchase safety gear such as helmets and vests.
### Competitive Pricing and Discounts
Voi is introducing a competitive pricing model to attract users. The cost will be **22 cents per minute**, alongside a **one-time unlocking fee of 1 euro**, which is slightly lower than the existing Lime pricing. To further broaden access to the service, discounts will be available for students and other qualifying individuals.
### Sustainability and Urban Mobility Trends
Voi’s entry into Le Havre aligns with broader trends in urban mobility, emphasizing the importance of sustainable transportation solutions that reduce carbon footprints and improve public health. Electric scooters and bikes are not only an eco-friendly mode of transportation but are also essential in mitigating traffic congestion in urban areas.
### Future Predictions
As cities around the world look to enhance their mobility frameworks, Voi’s initiatives in Le Havre could serve as a model for other municipalities aiming to upgrade their transport infrastructure sustainably. Observers can expect further innovations in mobility solutions that prioritize safety, accessibility, and ecological sustainability as the demand for greener cities grows.
By investing in electric mobility options, Le Havre is poised to become a leader in urban transportation transformations, setting a precedent for other cities in France and beyond.
For more details on urban mobility trends, visit Voi’s official site.