E-scooter riders reminded ‘Don’t drink and scoot’ this Christmas

As seasonal festivities approach, rental e-scooter operator, Voi, has a clear message for riders – alcohol and e-scooters don’t mix and anyone caught drink-scooting could lose their driving licence.

Riding an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol not only puts the rider at risk, but other road users too, so Voi will be reminding riders of the dangers, especially during the run up to Christmas when it expects to see more people riding to get to social events.

The same alcohol limits for driving motor vehicles in the UK also apply to e-scooters.

Anyone caught by the police for drinking while scooting could face arrest and substantial sanctions, which could include a fine, disqualification from driving any vehicle and imprisonment.

Being unaware of the rules is no defence.

Jack Samler, Voi regional general manager UK, Ireland and France, said: “We know that drinking negatively affects cognitive skills such as reaction time, coordination, concentration, vision and judgement. In other words, drinking puts both yourself and other road users in danger. 

“Regardless of whether you feel intoxicated or not, your senses and cognitive functions tell a different story – they start getting affected after consuming just one unit of alcohol.”

To remind riders of the dangers this season, Voi will be sending in-app messages and asking riders to complete its pioneering, world-first ‘Reaction Test’.

The Reaction Test is turned on during late night-time hours during the week and from earlier in the evening at weekends, in all UK towns and cities where Voi operates. It tests a rider’s reactions, which decrease significantly after consuming alcohol. Whether the rider passes or fails, they are advised that drinking and riding is not only dangerous but is also potentially a serious offence. Riders who fail the Reaction Test are encouraged to choose another form of transport.

Since it was launched in September 2020, Voi estimates that the Reaction Test has helped prevent more than 250,000 potentially dangerous rides globally and that at least 50,000 riders chose an alternative form of transport.

Jack adds:  

“Safety is at the forefront of everything we do at Voi. We make it clear to all our users, via regular in-app communications and through our in-person and online safety events, that riding an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol is illegal.

“We know that the majority of e-scooter riders do ride safely and responsibly but any rider caught by the police under the influence of alcohol will be permanently banned from our service.”

Voi closely monitors its operations and irresponsible or unsafe use is enforced with user bans. Incidents of bad riding practices are well managed and 0.02% of total Voi account holders (UK-wide) have been blocked.

Unsafe riding or inappropriate use of Voi e-scooters can be reported to report.voi.com via the Voi app or website.

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