Portsmouth City Council is working alongside Solent Transport and e-scooter provider Voi Technology, to provide rental trials throughout Portsmouth and Southampton as a part of the Future Transport Zone Programme.
The e-scooter trial means that passengers can now travel by rental e-scooter to interchange with regular ferry and National Express services that serve the port, and visiting cruise passengers will have a sustainable transport option to explore the city.
Four EV charging points have been installed for staff to use, free of charge, to encourage the switch away from fossil fuels.
For passengers and the public, two Instavolt 50kW DC rapid charging points are now available opposite the terminal building.
These projects are a small part of the Portsmouth International Port’s mission to reduce carbon with an aim to reach net-zero carbon by 2030.
The port also hopes to become the UK’s first zero-emission port by 2050, in line with the government’s Maritime 2050 strategy.
Andrew Williamson, passenger operations manager at Portsmouth International Port, said: “I’m delighted that we are supporting this city-wide rental e-scooter trial, along with adding EV charging options for passengers and staff.
“As we move towards net-zero carbon and zero-emission future at the port, it’s important that we offer a wide range of options to enable them travel to the port sustainably. I’m also looking forward to trying one myself to get around the city in the near future.”
Councillor Lynne Stagg, cabinet member for traffic and transportation at Portsmouth City Council, said: “It’s great news that we’ve been able to expand the successful rental e-scooter trial into the port. This will really benefit staff and visitors in helping them to reach their destination in a much more sustainable way.
“We’re working with all our transport partners to help build a travel network that supports a greener, healthier and better-connected future for Portsmouth with cleaner air for everyone to enjoy.”
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