Southampton residents have taken two million rides on Voi rental e-scooters, new figures have revealed, replacing an estimated 825,000 car journeys.

Operating in the city since March 2021, over 90,000 individuals opted to use the electric-powered scooters, saving a whopping 420 tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of 51 million smartphone charges.

Data also revealed that over a third of scooter users coupled their ride with public transportation.

According to a recent survey, 37 per cent of riders employ scooters for commuting purposes, with 16 per cent utilising the scooters for shopping and running errands.

Interestingly, 40 per cent of riders reported that they turned to e-scooters for journeys previously seen as too long, costly or inaccessible.

READ MORE: Voi set to replace Beryl as Southampton's e-bike operator

As Voi extends its portfolio in the region, Southampton now prepares to welcome rental e-bikes.

Solent Transport recently endorsed Voi as the exclusive operator in south Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, allowing the e-bike option to Southampton alongside e-scooters.

The sustainable travel option is looking set to continue to grow as the region embraces green commuting solutions.

James Bolton, general manager, Voi UK, said: "Since we started operating in Southampton over three years ago, e-scooters have become an essential part of many residents’ lives.

"It’s great to reach another milestone in supporting people in Southampton to choose a safe, affordable and sustainable method of transport in the city."

Cllr Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for environment and transport said: "In reaching this milestone, we are thrilled to witness the growing enthusiasm for rental Voi e-scooters.

"We are delighted that so many users combine their rides with public transport. The Breeze app is so helpful to plan journeys using various modes of transport including buses and e-scooters plus more."

The decision to award the contract for Southampton's e-bike hire scheme replaced Beryl.

Beryl operated the scheme in the city until June.

Cllr Keogh said at the time: “This new contract will allow us to appoint a single operator to the bikes and e-scooters across Southampton.

“That will mean more benefits to users who will no longer be dealing with separate operator companies.

“In Southampton, the bikes were introduced a little after the e-scooters and we have not seen quite the same amount of popularity for the bikes as we have for the scooters."