Voi e-bikes in Kettering and Northampton
Where are e-bikes available?
E-bikes have been available to rent in Kettering from the 21st of January 2021 and in Northampton from March 2023.
How many e-bikes will be available to rent?
The e-bike trial began with 20 vehicles and has now increased to about 100 e-bikes in Kettering and Northampton.
How do I ride an e-bike?
Visit Voi's website for further information.
Users must:
- be 16 or over, and,
- Agree to Voi’s terms and conditions and the user agreement.
By agreeing to the terms, a user confirms they are 16 or over. If a user agrees to the terms whilst being under the age of 16, it is a breach of contract.
Further information about e-bikes is available within the highway code:
What traffic rules apply to e-bikes?
The same rules which apply to bicycles and e-scooters apply to e-bikes for use and parking.
Voi developed eight points for safe riding:
- Use dedicated cycling infrastructure.
- Watch out for pedestrians.
- Signal to other road users.
- Ride on the left side of the road or cycle lane.
- Obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.
- Do not drink and ride.
- Pay attention and adapt your riding to your surroundings.
- Keep your distance and stay alert.
Will RideLikeVoila have sections dedicated to e-bikes?
The Voi online school is focused on e-scooters, but the same traffic rules that apply to e-scooters are also applicable to e-bikes (more info above).
Do you need to wear a helmet to ride a Voi e-bike?
We recommend a helmet. Voi offers rewards as ride credits. Voi gives away helmets to monthly users and attendees at safety events.
How much is it to rent an e-bike?
To view costs and buy passes please visit the app.
Voi offers discounts for low-income groups, medical workers or students. Visit the Voi 4 all web page for more information. Voi offers discounts for low-income groups, medical workers or students.
When can I rent an e-bike?
E-bikes are available to rent in Kettering and Northampton from 4am to 11pm seven days a week.
Are e-bikes limited to the same geographical area as e-scooters?
Yes, e-bikes are currently bound by the same geographical area as e-scooters.
Voi uses Geofencing to create a virtual geographic boundary. Software triggers a response when a mobile device enters or leaves a particular area. When an e-bike goes beyond a certain boundary, the speed will gradually reduce. Voi do not stop the bike motor completely, because this could be dangerous for the rider. The rider will still be able to pedal. Users can see their locations and operating zone in the in-app map.
Are e-bikes also geofenced with no ride, slow ride, and no parking areas?
Yes, e-bikes also use geofencing to manage no ride, slow ride, and no parking zones. While the motor will slow down or switch off if the e-bike is within one of these zones, the user can still pedal.
Rule breaking can result in a ban.
Where can e-bikes be parked?
E-bikes can be parked in the same areas as e-scooters. Please see the app for incentivised parking zones.
Do e-bikes have parking racks?
E-bikes will be parked in the same areas as e-scooters. View the Smart Map to see cycle parking in Kettering and Northampton.
Do Voi e-bikes have number plates?
Yes, like the e-scooters, e-bikes are fitted with number plates so they can easily be identified and reported.
What is the maximum speed for e-bikes?
E-bikes are assisted up to 15.5mph (25km/h).
How long can the e-bike ride before the battery needs to be charged?
The e-bike has a range of up to 50km (31miles).
E-bike specs
- Swappable battery
- Wheels 26’’
- Up to 50KM range
- 25km/h max speed
- Three speed gearbox
- Basket to carry goods (up to 10kg) -> complementarity with e-scooters
- Built to last (-20C, +45C)
- Bell
- Front light and red rear light (when the bike turns on the lights are immediately turned on, and they turn off when the bike is parked and locked
- Front brake placed on the left side near the handlebar.
- Rear brake operates by pedalling backwards.
- The Voi e-bike e is equipped with an electronic controller for the various bike components management (electric motor, battery, light system, sensors). This controller has a sensor that notifies the controller of the user’s driving direction, so that it can activate the motor assistance when necessary.
I have noticed the bike only has one brake on the handlebar
The brake located on the handlebar’s left side is the front brake, to use the rear brake riders need to pedal backwards.
How sustainable are Voi’s e-bikes?
Voi’s e-bikes are a safe, sustainable choice of transportation.
E-bikes are an important catalyst for people to leave their cars behind when travelling in dense urban areas. Or as an alternative to sharing a car trip or public transport.
Voi ensures the e-bikes have a similar environmental performance to the e-scooters.
As a company, Voi has been operating carbon-neutral operations since January 2020.
Interested in trying Voi's e-bikes? Find out more on the introducing e-bikes web page. Voi have also put together a great guide on how you can ensure safety whilst riding!
