The market for electric scooters - UK

In the UK, awareness of e-scooters is high, with 90% awareness among the public and 53% claiming some level of knowledge. Users are predominantly male (71%) and under 35 years old (74%). Safety concerns are prominent, with 53% mentioning safety-related disadvantages, yet 69% see benefits like reduced pollution. Only 9% are likely to buy, and 15% to rent an e-scooter. The UK market has 18,000 e-scooters for hire across 51 English towns and cities, the market nearly doubled from 3,099 units in December 2020 to around 5,700 by February 2021.

Globally, the electric scooter market was valued at USD 19.6 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% to USD 29.9 billion by 2028, with the Asia Pacific dominating. The COVID-19 pandemic influenced usage, with 58% at Wave 1 more likely to rent due to safety concerns about public transport, but as restrictions eased, usage patterns shifted with some returning to pre-pandemic transport choices.

Evolving E-Scooter Landscape in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has witnessed a burgeoning interest in e-scooters, particularly highlighted by a series of trials and surveys analyzing the public's attitude towards these electric vehicles. As e-scooters emerge as a popular mode of transportation, there is an inclination towards understanding the demographics of users, reasons for use, and the perception of their advantages and disadvantages. Around half of the UK population claims to have some knowledge of e-scooters, with awareness being notably higher among men, individuals under the age of 55, urban dwellers, and those from higher social grades. 

In contrast to the evenly spread percentage representation of ethnic minorities among users and the general adult population, there is a skew toward younger users, where the 16 to 34 age group constitutes about three-quarters of e-scooter users. Interestingly, individuals with lower incomes were more likely to be regular users, bringing to light economic considerations in transport choices. E-scooters are primarily used outside of traditional rush hours, with use distributed throughout the day and into the evening. It is reported that more than half of the respondents would use an e-scooter as their sole mode of transport to reach their destination. Most people use e-scooters with a specific destination in mind, and half also find them enjoyable for recreation.

Despite the array of perceived advantages like environmental benefits, speed, and convenience, there is a significant portion of the population that recognizes potential drawbacks, predominantly concerns around safety for both riders and pedestrians. The likelihood of individuals purchasing or hiring an e-scooter is modest, hovering around 9 percent for purchasing and about 15 percent for hiring, with men and urban residents displaying a slightly higher propensity towards both acquiring and renting e-scooters. The UK market for shared e-scooters has seen significant growth, nearly doubling from the start of December 2020 to February 2021, with an estimated number of vehicles available for hire reaching between 5,000 and 6,000. These vehicles are operated by around 12 companies across numerous areas in England, with the largest share being overseen by market players like Voi. The pandemic has dynamically influenced usage patterns and perceptions.

Dominant Forces in the UK's E-Scooter Rental Landscape

Navigating through the lanes and bylanes of England's towns and cities, one can witness a growing fleet of electric scooters, marking the rapid expansion of a new and eco-friendly mode of transportation. In the forefront of this burgeoning industry are 12 pioneering companies that have positioned themselves strategically across 51 English locales. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland remain spectators, not yet participating in the trial programs.

One company that stands out is Voi, brandishing its bright and easily recognizable coral-hued e-scooters. As the second-largest provider, Voi has carved a significant niche in the market, enticing riders with the promise of a fun, fast, and carbon-footprint-reducing journey, and it's not alone in the race. Together, these companies have amassed a staggering arsenal of approximately 18,000 e-scooters, all readily accessible for short-term hire. Their collective presence signifies a robust commitment to altering the urban transit scene, although it does highlight the nascent state of the market – only two trials have concluded thus far. Each company is vying to become the go-to choice for the environmentally conscious and tech-savvy commuter, looking to skirt around congested streets and reduce their ecological impact. The competition among these 12 market players has sparked a spectrum of options for users, with each brand aiming to offer the most reliable, user-friendly, and accessible service.

Through mobile apps and strategically placed docking stations, access to these e-scooters has never been easier, leading to a small but defining shift in the way residents and visitors alike are experiencing city travel. As regulations evolve and e-scooter usage becomes an ingrained feature of urban mobility, these main players in the market are not just service providers but pioneers of a transport revolution, each with a shared vision of greener, more efficient, and convenient urban travel. The likes of Voi and its contenders are not merely moving people - they're propelling cities towards a more sustainable future.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 13/02/2023

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