The West of England’s popular e-scooter and e-bike hire scheme is launching a 24-hour service, lifting the previous midnight closure that limited availability overnight in Bristol, Bath, and South Gloucestershire.
Since its inception nearly five years ago as a trial under Voi, the service paused daily from midnight until 6 a.m. Starting October 1, Dott, the current operator, will offer uninterrupted access to electric scooters and bikes, ensuring users can hire vehicles at any hour of the day or night.
Metro Mayor Helen Godwin praised the decision, highlighting the positive impact it will have on night-shift workers and employees in the hospitality sector who often finish work after midnight. “E-bikes and e-scooters are an increasingly vital part of our local transport network, especially for those who need reliable travel options outside typical hours,” she stated.
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In addition to extending service hours, recent efforts have focused on improving responsible parking. Since launching the Scoot Safe initiative with Police & Crime Commissioner Clare Moody in August, over 4,500 fines have been issued, reducing improper parking by nearly one-third within a month. New marked parking bays are also being introduced across the region.
Mayor Godwin has actively supported the scheme’s growth since taking office in May, overseeing its expansion into additional areas of South Gloucestershire, including East Bristol, Yate, and Chipping Sodbury.
Iqbal Ahmed, Dott’s Head of Public Policy for the UK and Ireland, emphasized the benefits of round-the-clock availability: “With 24/7 access, the West of England now joins cities like Nottingham, Paris, and Berlin in providing flexible, safe, and sustainable travel solutions for residents working late hours.”
Safety remains a top priority for Dott. The company has enhanced in-app safety alerts, encouraging riders to be visible, obey traffic laws, and never ride under the influence. The Dott Safety School offers further training to promote responsible riding at any time of day.
This 24-hour rollout represents a significant step forward in expanding sustainable transportation options, supporting the needs of a diverse and growing community of users throughout the West of England.