Your questions answered
Why has Edinburgh introduced an e-bike cycle hire scheme?
We want to make getting about in Edinburgh as easy as possible in sustainable ways.
We already have a award-winning public transport providers in Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Tram and we continue to look at ways of improving pavements for walkers and wheelers.
We also know there is a strong appetite for cycling in Edinburgh and providing a cost-effective, reliable and convenient cycle hire scheme will help more of us travel sustainably, easing congestion on our roads, and contributing to the city’s ambition of being net-carbon zero by 2030.
What is the speed limit for a Voi bike?
Around 80% of Edinburgh roads are 20mph, with particular concentration in the city centre, residential areas, and busy shopping streets. As a result, power assistance cuts out on Voi e-bikes at 20mph.
Please note, there will be locations in the city that are particularly busy where speeds will be further restricted.
Is there an age restriction for using the bikes?
You have to be 16 years old or older to rent or use a Voi e-bike. However, you don’t need a driving licence or provisional licence to rent the bike.
Are under 22s and over 60s entitled to fee travel on Voi Bikes?
No, the under 22 and over 60 travel concession provided by the Scottish Government is not available as part of the Voi scheme.
What is the approval process for parking / pick up locations in the city?
Parking / pick up locations are identified in the first instance based on accessibility criteria and expected usage.
The location is then reviewed against the Edinburgh Street Design Guidance and ensuring a minimum of 2 metres footway is provided and that locations are sited away from where pedestrians want to walk. We also factor in local information we are able to source.
Parking / pick up locations are then created either using painted lines on the ground or geo-fencing technology that instructs users where to park.
Locations are then monitored and regularly reviewed.
Are there rewards schemes / incentives in place for users?
Yes, there are rewards and incentives in place for regular users and those who adhere to the rules of the scheme. Visit the Voi website for more information where you can also download the Voi app.
Why are some locations for dropping off / pick up lined and others not?
The Voi e-bike scheme is an initial two-year trial and we are continuing to learn as the scheme develops. We want to make sure that the locations we are currently choosing are right in the long term.
There are currently 22 lined locations across Edinburgh and we are expecting to increase these over the coming months as they have been proven to be effective in ensuring correct parking.
We are also investigating the possibility of moving parking locations off the pavements and onto the roads.
Can you rent an e-scooter in Edinburgh via the Voi scheme?
No, in Scotland it is illegal to ride a privately owned e-scooter in any public space, including roads, pavements and parks.
Is Voi the only operator of e-bikes in Edinburgh?
The Voi e-bike scheme is delivered in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council.
There are other bike hire companies in Edinburgh that you can book for a day or for longer periods.
Does Voi undertake customer satisfaction surveys?
Voi asks for feedback from each rider once their trip has been completed. In addition, Voi undertakes a detailed annual survey which is scheduled to take place in Autumn 2026 following the first year of operation.