Overview of the Yo-Go NEV Pilot in Hammersmith & Fulham
Hammersmith & Fulham NEV Pilot Case Study: Objectives
The goal of the pilot is to offer a clean, safe, and affordable alternative to short car journeys. By providing a low-speed, lightweight vehicle option, the initiative aims to:
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Reduce congestion and air pollution
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Enhance road safety for pedestrians and cyclists
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Promote micromobility in urban environments
Fleet & Vehicle Features
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Fleet Size
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10 NEVs currently in operation, with plans to expand to 50 vehicles in the near future.
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Design & Specifications
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Compact, golf-buggy–style vehicles, street-legal and fully insured.
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Equipped with safety features: seat belts, roll cage, roof, number plates.
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Top speed is 20 mph (some sources mention up to 23 mph) and a driving range of 30–40 miles, extendable by ~10 extra miles via roof-mounted solar panels.
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Accessibility & Usage Model
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Eligibility
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Drivers must be aged 25–70, have held a UK or EU driving licence for at least 2 years.
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Hiring Process
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Users book and unlock NEVs via the Yo-Go app.
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Operates on a round-trip model: vehicles must be returned to the same location where hired.
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Currently deployed across 4–6 locations in Hammersmith & Fulham, including parks like Parsons Green, Finlay/Fulham Palace, Niton/Woodlawn, and Fulham Reach.
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Pricing & Incentives
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Standard Rate: £0.20 per minute for driving.
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Subscription: Save with £10/month, reducing the rate to £0.10 per minute.
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When Parked: Only £0.05 per minute.
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Parking Policy: NEVs can be parked for free in any council-controlled bay within the borough. This is a key benefit over other micromobility modes like e-scooters and bikes.
Pilot Reception & Strategic Vision
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User Engagement
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Nearly 250 local residents have already registered for the pilot.
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Perception & Political Support
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Yo-Go’s CEO, Dr. Sam Bailey, describes the NEVs as a “world-first” urban micromobility solution, aiming to shift short car trips to a cleaner, safer alternative.
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Hammersmith & Fulham Council welcomes the pilot for its affordability and environmental benefits.
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The trial has also garnered approval from London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who sees it as a promising mobility innovation.
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Benefits & Challenges
| Advantages | Challenges / Unknowns |
|---|---|
| Reduces congestion and emissions | Effectiveness of solar charging in winter still unclear |
| Safer and more familiar than e-scooters/bikes (steering wheel, roof, seat-belt) | Needs completion of data collection on journey patterns and substitution effects |
| Easy to park and drive in dense urban spaces | Return requirement limits one-way trip flexibility |
| Positive resident engagement with strong registration numbers | Expansion timeline and scale-up plans (beyond Fulham) still pending |
Summary
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The pilot introduces a docked, app-based fleet of electric NEVs aiming to replace short car journeys in a more sustainable, user-friendly way.
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Key features: compact golf-buggy style, solar-assisted charging, convenient parking, and flexible pricing.
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Target group: licensed drivers aged 25–70.
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Current status: 10 vehicles deployed; plans to grow to 50 if successful.
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Early results: Strong community interest (250+ sign-ups), positive political backing, and a pioneering approach to micromobility in urban areas.