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Starting from 1 February, Liverpool will see the arrival of a major new micro-mobility service as Bolt partners with Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to introduce 2,000 electric scooters and 150 e-bikes across the city. This launch will replace the current provider, Voi, extending the electric scooter service to new areas including Speke and Garston, which will access shared scooters for the first time. The service will operate around the clock, providing transport options 24/7 to residents citywide.
The expansion of scooters and e-bikes aligns with local government efforts to promote healthier and more environmentally friendly travel. With nearly two-thirds of journeys in Liverpool currently made by car, resulting in approximately half a million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, the initiative aims to encourage people to shift towards these sustainable alternatives. By reducing congestion during peak times, shared electric scooters and bikes offer a practical way to cut back on car use.
Bolt plans to introduce an innovative distance-based pricing scheme, allowing users to pay per mile rather than by the minute. This pricing model is designed to encourage slower, safer rides by discouraging rushing, risky behavior at intersections, and improper parking that can occur when users try to minimize their costs. Safety is a priority with features such as an enforced maximum speed limit, AI-driven photo verification to ensure correct scooter parking, and a breathalyzer test to prevent intoxicated riding.
Further enhancements are coming soon to Liverpool’s fleet with the phased rollout of new solar-assisted e-bikes, marking the city as the first location in the UK chosen for this technology. These e-bikes are equipped with integrated solar panels that improve battery performance by saving up to 3.7 kWh of energy annually per bike, reducing the need for battery swaps and lowering environmental impact. Additionally, regenerative braking will capture energy during braking to power the bikes further.
Councillor Dan Barrington, who oversees transport and connectivity in Liverpool, expressed enthusiasm about the expanded service, saying, “We know that e-scooters are incredibly well used across Liverpool, and they provide a quick, sustainable way to travel throughout the city. We’re looking forward to welcoming Bolt into the area.” He also noted confidence in the safety measures Bolt has put in place and highlighted the benefit of around-the-clock availability for workers late into the night when other transport options may be limited.
Steve Foulkes, chair of the transport committee at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, emphasized how the new partnership builds on over five years of success with e-scooters, stating, “This new partnership with Bolt marks the next chapter in our commitment to delivering a truly integrated transport network that’s greener and easier to use.” He explained that expanding scooter and e-bike services beyond the city center makes micro-mobility a practical option for people living in various neighborhoods, reinforcing the region’s broader climate goals.
Georgia Heathman, Bolt’s UK Policy Lead, highlighted the significant opportunity Liverpool presents for sustainable transport, saying: “By expanding scooters and e-bikes across the entire city, introducing distance-based pricing, and rolling out our most advanced e-bikes to date, we’re making it much easier for people to get around while also reducing car traffic.” Research Bolt commissioned in the UK supports this vision, revealing that 40% of e-bike users travel to train stations or transport hubs and over a third use e-bikes for commuting, demonstrating shared micromobility’s potential to connect people with public transport while decreasing reliance on cars.
The rollout in Liverpool follows Bolt’s introduction of e-bikes in London earlier this year, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing sustainable urban transport options throughout the UK
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