Voi, one of the UK’s leading e-scooter operators, has issued a stark warning that it may exit the country if the current trial regulations are extended without clear legislation. Christina Moe Gjerde, a senior executive at Voi, described the UK’s approach as “totally restrictive” and called for urgent reform.
The UK’s e-scooter scheme remains confined to government-backed trials, which have seen multiple extensions but no permanent regulatory framework. Gjerde argues this prolonged limbo is stalling the sector’s growth and innovation. “The UK e-scooter trial has been running for too long,” she said, adding that the lack of definitive rules is causing the UK to lag behind Europe, where newer hardware, software, and technologies are rapidly emerging.
Gjerde criticized the UK’s over-regulation, suggesting it inadvertently fosters complacency among users who rely on strict rules rather than understanding traffic responsibilities. “Britons need a bit more enforcement plus incentives and encouragement,” she noted, contrasting this with Europe’s more flexible approach.
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“The system here is super restrictive, and that might make things worse,” she said. Voi is calling for a clear strategy from the government, emphasizing the need for urgent action to avoid losing operators. “You will see more e-scooter companies threatening to quit the UK over delays,” Gjerde warned.
This announcement follows the recent departure of car-sharing service Zipcar from London, which cited commercial challenges. A Department for Transport spokesperson responded, reaffirming ministerial commitment to regulating e-scooters “as soon as possible.”