Source: Zag Daily

LEVA-EU member Segway-Ninebot supplies the lion’s share of e-scooters to the Norwegian capital’s shared micromobility operators, helping support the city’s aims to be emissions-free by 2030.

Oslo has been investing in sustainable transport for some time and has recently doubled its shared e-scooter fleet from 8,000 to 16,000 e-scooters, with operator permits extended from one to two years, and the operational area substantially expanded. Three operators – Voi, Ryde, and Bolt – have been named as tender winners in this new phase which starts from April 1. Thanks to robust products and strong customer support, global vehicle solution provider Segway supplies more than two-thirds of the Oslo fleet.

Empowering operators

Segway is providing its latest e-scooter for both Swedish company Voi and Oslo-based operator Ryde, both of whom were already operating in Oslo with Segway vehicles before the recent announcement. “We provide 67% of Oslo’s shared e-scooters to transform urban mobility,” said Yao Yao, Strategic Product Manager of Segway-Ninebot’s Commercial Mobility Business Division when speaking to Zag Daily.

Yao Yao continued: “By empowering operators to win tenders in Oslo, Segway has the opportunity to help provide the city and its riders with greater safety, a smoother, and more enhanced riding experience. Segway supports operators by offering advanced vehicle solutions that improve operational efficiency, durability, and ease of maintenance. This contributes to the growth of sustainable businesses for operators and the long-term sustainability of urban transportation.”

Segway focuses on close collaboration with its customers and reducing the total cost of ownership of its vehicles as a way of empowering shared micromobility operators.

Collaborative approach

Ryde CEO, Tobias Balchen, says, “To secure a competitive tender like Oslo you need strong hardware, which Segway offers. The hardware is only one of several important components in offering a winning tender. Operational routines to ensure the best operations for the city and our customers and parking compliance are other essential components.”

Yao Yao elaborated further: “Segway has a strong and collaborative relationship with Voi and Ryde, built on trust, open communication, and a shared commitment to improving urban mobility with tailored vehicle solutions. We actively engage with our clients and value their feedback, using it to refine and improve our products and services. This allows us to continuously adapt to their evolving needs and ensure that our solutions align with their operational goals.”

Yao Yao cited a specific example illustrating the collaborative, supportive approach when the operators faced challenges thanks to Northern Europe’s harsh weather conditions and varied terrain. “In response, we tailored and improved our vehicle design and standards to better handle these challenges, enhancing both the weatherproofing and overall durability of the e-scooters. This improvement helped Voi and Ryde reduce maintenance downtime, lower costs, and provide a more reliable service for their riders, ensuring smoother operations year-round.”

The result of this collaborative approach is a service that’s welcomed by both the city and users. A stable and reliable fleet leads to high utilisation rates, financially sustainable operations for operators, and an increased modal shift to green mobility.

Reducing total cost of ownership

Segway commits to optimising its customers’ Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which helps to ensure the viability and longevity of the shared micromobility business model. Segway shared details on how their latest model, the Apex D110L, enables these aims.

It features a 1147Wh battery which provides a range of 100 kilometres, reducing the need for frequent battery swaps and easing operational demand. Its power is reduced to 0.85W when on standby mode, further enhancing operational efficiency and reducing dependency on the electrical grid.

An IPX7 waterproof rating for key parts, PU-filled tires and 360 degree visibility all aim to enhance the vehicle’s durability in varied terrains and weather. Adding to durability is the e-scooter’s 7,000 series aluminium stem, which has been subjected to a 600N thrust force and 300,000 tests. 

Replacing each consumable part of the D110L takes less than seven minutes, and disassembly can be completed in less than three, improving maintenance efficiency and costs.

In terms of software, the D110L’s onboard geofencing and high precise positioning is designed for smarter operations along with Gen-3Sg IoT technology.

Yao Yao says, “By delivering reliable, safe, user-friendly and easy-to-maintain solutions, Segway enhances operator’s operational efficiency and strengthens unit economics, fostering sustainable and profitable urban mobility. This empowers operators to ensure long-term business viability and helps clients to reinvest in scalable growth.”