Thoughts on using Voi bikes in Edinburgh

I’ve been using Voi bikes around Edinburgh quite a lot over the past few weeks. Here are some initial observations.

The rent-an-e-bike concept is fantastic and reasonably priced. I can cycle into town for less than it costs on the bus, and the experience is much nicer. So many people seem to be using them, it feels like a revolution!
The package deals for Voi passes don’t get better with more time. Why is the 1-month one the same cost/min as the 1 day one?
Sunny weather helps. A lot.
e-bikes are great, but they’re heavy and less manoeuvrable than pushbikes. No nimble cycling here, so a bit less enjoyable on that front but the need for no physical exertion more than makes up for it.
Edinburgh’s road infrastructure is in woeful shape. In fact, it’s downright dangerous. The vast majority of non-major roads are littered with potholes and failed fillings. How has it got so bad and why is nothing being done?
e-bikes are unsuited to such badly maintained roads. They’re heavy, so every bump shakes you to the core and can result in losing control if you’re going a little too fast, especially around corners.
The phone holders are very good yet I can attest that hitting a rough patch of road can result in your phone flying out of its strong grip and ending up down the road. It’s the roads, not a design flaw on the bike.
The 20mph speed limit (of the bikes) is sensible, even if I’d prefer to go faster some of the time. It would just be too dangerous for riders and pedestrians (and ofc illegal since most of Edinburgh roads are not 20mph). It’s nice to slow down and cruise.
Lime bikes in London seemed to be quicker off the mark and faster, but I’m not sure if this is actually true. I’d like better initial acceleration personally, but it’s a sensible compromise for the masses.
The majority of bikes I’ve used are in poor shape, despite this being a fairly new service. Knackered cranks, misaligned handlebars, broken bells, squishy brakes. I’m not sure what the life expectancy of these bikes are, but it seems to be in months not years. It’s disappointing. I’d love to know whether Voi are making a profit, and whether Edinburgh is less profitable than other cities because of the shit roads.
Very few car drivers observe the 20mph limit.
Many car drivers have forgotten that indicators exist. I’m sure this is worse than it used to be (I’ve been cycling for decades).
Black cab drivers are generally ok, but minicab/Uber drivers are the absolute worst. Impatience, dodgy manoeuvres, little to no consideration of cyclists. Urgh.
Some fellow Voi riders act like Deliveroo riders, completely ignoring red lights. It’s poor form that gives cyclists a bad name. I’ve seen one very close call on the Queen St cycle path where an oblivious rider almost got taken out by a van. Scary.
Edinburgh should keep the quiet routes and not give in to the driving lobby. The Morningside/Bruntsfield one is excellent for example, except for the f**ked roads.
Edinburgh Council need to up the investment in dedicated cycle lanes, but do them properly. The one on Henderson Street in Leith is an excellent example of how to do. This, everywhere.
Cobbles are painful (heavy bikes etc) but cycle lanes could be accommodated on these roads with flat, bike-friendly cobbles like the ones on Henderson Street. New Town?
The Leith Walk cycle path is dreadful beyond belief. Small wonder it has been designated the worst in the world. How on earth did this get designed and approved? Shameful.

To conclude, I‘m really bullish on e-bikes in cities. They’re brilliant, but there needs to be serious investment in infrastructure to make it more enjoyable and safer for everyone.