Tuesday June 30th 2026
Voi e-bike
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
Calls have been made for increased maintenance of the city’s Voi e-bikes following reports it is “not keeping pace” with usage.
In a letter to the company, Glasgow’s Green group said it has been “very excited” by its launch in the city, which has been “welcomed by many”.
However, Councillor Lana Reid-McConnell sought reassurances that Voi is “implementing sufficient maintenance for bikes to ensure they are in good condition”, particularly over the busier, summer months.
This includes checking the seats, lights and batteries which are “regularly reported to us as being broken”.
Cllr Reid-McConnell also asked the city’s transport convener, Cllr Angus Millar, SNP, to engage with Voi over maintenance at a council meeting on Thursday.
The Greens would like to see free rides available during the Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Glasgow between July 23 and August 2.
Harry Foskin, senior public policy manager at Voi, encouraged cyclists who notice an issue with a bike to report it via the firm’s app, so “our local team can put it right quickly”.
He said keeping the e-bike fleet in good condition is “central to how we run the scheme”.
The Greens’ letter, sent by Cllr Reid-McConnell, said the group would “welcome a conversation to discuss the plans that Voi and Glasgow City Council are putting in place to ensure there’s sufficient storage and vehicles available at key locations”.
Councillors also want to understand the firm’s plans “for expanding to neighbouring council areas” as they “believe this would provide huge benefits to those commuting in and out of Glasgow”.
At the council meeting, Cllr Reid-McConnell also called for a discount to be considered for council staff. She added, from her own experience and speaking to constituents, it often feels like “the maintenance is not keeping with the usage”.
Cllr Millar said officials meet with Voi representatives monthly to ensure the scheme is “performing in line with all required standards and KPIs [key performance indicators] as set out in the operational contract”.
At the last meeting on June 17, officials found “all KPIs including maintenance visits were achieved”. He added the council has “facilitated a direct relationship between Voi and the Commonwealth Games organisation, ensuring that Voi facilities will be available at all Commonwealth Games locations”.
Cllr Millar said he had been advised that Voi is “currently finalising a variety of discounts and offers to be made available in this period”.
On the maintenance issue, Cllr Reid-McConnell suggested “another look” at the KPIs as the “user experience is maybe not matched up with what you said”.
Cllr Millar said since the e-bikes were introduced to the city in November, the scheme has been “phenomenally successful”.
“There will be some teething problems… as that is bedded out,” he added. “But I know that officers are making sure they are closely in contact with Voi on any particular maintenance issues or locations where there are known or repeated challenges.”
He said council staff travel discounts are “continuously” reviewed.
Voi tested a manned parking location during TRNSMT music festival as part of a “trial for large-scale events” to ensure users “receive a positive experience and assets are kept neat and tidy”.
“It is proposed to use this model to support the venues of the Commonwealth Games,” Cllr Millar added.
Mr Foskin, from Voi, said: “Since launching in Glasgow, our e-bikes have quickly become a popular way for people to get around the city, and it’s good to see councillors recognise that.
“With a busy summer ahead, we’re looking forward to helping residents and visitors get around Glasgow for the games, and to working closely with the council as the scheme settles in.
“Keeping the fleet in good condition is central to how we run the scheme. We’d encourage anyone who spots a problem with a bike to report it in the app, so our local team can put it right quickly.”
Tweet Share on Facebook
