“Is that thing street-legal?” mocks the driver of a white van as I navigate Hammersmith roundabout with care, accompanied by the raucous laughter of his front-seat passenger.
I assure him it is legal, but I do understand his skepticism. The Yo-Go – a vibrant yellow electric buggy designed for two, featuring one gear and no side panels – certainly seems out of place amid the chaos of one of London’s busiest intersections, wedged between towering buses, delivery vans, and massive construction lorries.
After making my third or fourth pass at the request of the Guardian’s photographer – a roundabout that I later discover is recognized as the most perilous in Britain – I find myself battling against a sideways downpour. I realize I haven’t figured out which of the chunky controls operates the windscreen wiper. My hands are icy, my hair is whipping into my face, and I can’t help but reminisce about my Ford Focus.
It’s an entertaining yet slightly nerve-wracking experience, but here in west London, officials from Hammersmith and Fulham council believe this might represent the future of short-distance urban transportation. They are actively supporting the deployment of these cheerful buggies across the borough, hoping to entice residents who haven’t yet opted for rental bikes to consider a vehicle that seems better suited for a golf course than a bustling four-lane roundabout – at least on a dry day.
Could this idea gain traction? The surge in urban rental bikes, both pedal and electric, might indicate a positive trend, with over 40 schemes currently in operation in cities ranging from Aberdeen to Plymouth. Yet, considering London’s extensive public transport choices, coupled with the abundance of docked bikes, e-bikes, and car-sharing options, does the city really need yet another rental scheme? And must it look so … quirky?
In favor of the initiative is Sam Bailey, an engineer and inventor who states his goal is to “anticipate the forthcoming problems that require solutions.” Having previously succeeded with products that detect plumbing leaks and notify the elderly about hob fires, he has turned his focus to urban congestion and pollution.
In London, a significant 70% of car trips cover fewer than 3 miles: school runs, errands, “people dashing in and out,” remarks Bailey. “This led us to ponder whether we could substitute that with something that would be more affordable and efficient to produce?” he adds. “We realized it doesn’t necessarily require a completely new vehicle.”
While adapted with seatbelts and parking brakes to meet UK road regulations, the Yo-Go remains fundamentally similar to the buggies seen at airports or holiday resorts, he explains. Its purpose is to create “a vehicle that simply makes the road feel more inviting.”
The initiative has been kick-started in the picturesque area of Fulham, where Bailey resides, and his established rapport with the Labour-led, environmentally-focused council has been instrumental in its development. Since September, ten buggies have been available for public rental in Hammersmith and Fulham, with plans to expand to 50 by year’s end. Users can book and pay through an app at a rate of 20p per minute, but due to insurance stipulations, drivers must be aged between 25 and 70. Importantly, the local council’s enthusiastic backing means users can park (head-in) for free in any resident’s designated parking space.
“We’re focused on exploring possibilities,” says Stephen Cowan, the council leader. “What might the future hold? How will transportation evolve?” The council is also considering additional applications for the Yo-Go, such as shuttle services for older or less mobile individuals who might not require a car but would struggle to walk or cycle. “This excites us. We see it as a promising initiative with substantial potential.”
Whether this can be rolled out on a larger scale remains to be seen. Hammersmith and Fulham’s widespread 20mph speed limits – aligning with the Yo-Go’s maximum speed – reduce the chances of impatient drivers becoming stuck behind buggies. However, in boroughs with faster roads, the situation could be different (drivers of Hammersmith Yo-Gos are “strongly advised” against using the A4 flyover). Therefore, instead of an immediate expansion across London, the company is contemplating cities like Oxford and Bath for its next phase.
Furthermore, for those with multiple children, a significant amount of shopping (there is a small boot that currently lacks a locking mechanism), or on very rainy days, they might not be ideal.
Nonetheless, they offer a far more enjoyable experience than sitting in an Uber. “What do you think of these things?” I shout to a rider of a Lime e-bike beside me as we head toward Parsons Green. “They’re awesome,” he replies with a grin. Just then, the cars and buses ahead start to congest, and I reduce my speed while he zips past smoothly on the inside.
