Tag Archive: E-scooter

  1. UK e-bike operators tackle rising incidents of battery theft

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    Source: ZAG Daily

    Lithium-ion batteries used in rental e-bikes across the UK are increasingly being targeted by thieves. Several TikTok videos have surfaced showing individuals how to remove the glued-on battery cases, which are later sold online or repurposed to convert traditional bicycles into electric bikes using conversion kits.

    Zag Daily’s Editor, Ben Hubbard, told The Times that battery theft has become a more “organised and calculated” issue for micromobility providers in recent years. “The cells are highly valuable,” he said. “Operators need reporting on battery theft to lead to convictions so people don’t think it’s a free-for-all.” Despite this, successful prosecutions remain rare.

    The financial impact on operators can be significant. In Liverpool, micromobility company Voi reported losses exceeding £500,000 after 700 e-scooter batteries were stolen two years ago. In London, Forest experiences an average of 10 battery thefts per month, retrieving roughly half.

    Battery theft reduces the number of available vehicles, affecting overall fleet utilisation and operational efficiency.

    To combat theft, operators are adopting various preventative measures. These include placing security stickers on bikes, locating parking zones in well-lit, CCTV-monitored areas, and installing trackers inside batteries. French battery manufacturer Gouach has trialled a geolocation system that detects unusual battery movements. Their batteries also include cryptographic chips, which prevent them from functioning in non-affiliated vehicles.

    Forest stated that their batteries are intentionally difficult to access. They are encased in a thick adhesive that hardens into a cake-like substance, which protects the cells and reduces the risk of fire.

    Some companies have explored more aggressive deterrents. Irish operator Zeus considered using dye packs that would stain thieves, though the idea was ultimately rejected due to safety concerns during routine battery swaps.

    UK-based operator Beryl reports fewer issues with theft, attributing this to its integrated battery design. “our batteries are designed to be robust and are very difficult to break into should they ever be stolen. The cells are encased in a thick glue which forms a cake-like substance which means they are hard to access and protects the cells against a fire.” said Tom White, Beryl’s Micromobility Planner. He added that the company also uses CCTV footage to support monitoring and theft prevention efforts.

  2. Laka acquires the Luko e-scooter business in France

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    LEVA-EU member Laka acquires the Luko e-scooter business in France from Allianz Direct, the third acquisition in the last eighteen months

    • Laka has acquired the Luko e-scooter business from Allianz Direct
    • Known as a specialist bicycle insurer, Laka has expanded to offer best-in-class insurance to e-scooter customers in France
    • The launch of this new product line underpins Laka’s ambitions to expand beyond bicycles to other forms of micromobility
    • This acquisition supports Laka’s ambitions to decarbonise transport, E-scooters are estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 12,000 tons annually in major EU cities, as they replace short car trips and lower congestion
    • Allianz Direct has now completed its strategic product refocus in France on home and travel insurance, 1 year after the acquisition of Luko

    Laka acquires e-scooter business, consisting of renewal rights and contract with Wakam, from Allianz Direct in France, demonstrating commitment to the European market. Only last month Laka also announced an extension to its existing partnership with Decathlon into Germany.

    Known as a specialist bicycle insurance provider, Laka is now expanding to offer insurance for alternative vehicle classes, with sights set on being the micromobility insurer provider of choice across Europe. This acquisition marks a significant step in Laka’s growth strategy, following its acquisition of French bike insurance provider, Cylantro, in 2023 and the renewal rights acquisition of CoverCloud in 2024 as it continues to expand its presence across Europe both for bicycle insurance and now micromobility more broadly.

    Tobias Taupitz CEO and Co-founder comments, “We are actively looking to acquire within the micromobility space to bolster our offering and are delighted that Allianz Direct has chosen Laka as the new home for its e-scooter customers. Not only is this an exciting time for Laka’s growth, it gives us the opportunity to respond to market needs in France and offer e-scooter insurance.”

    The EU e-scooter market was valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow by 15% from 2022 to 2030. Growth is driven by increasing urbanization, demand for micro-mobility solutions, and supportive government policies. From today, more than 20,000 Luko customers will get access to Laka’s 5* rated insurance from day one, with no interruption of cover.

    Fanny Limare-Wolf CEO of Allianz Direct France comments, “We are excited about our agreement with Laka for the acquisition of our e-scooter portfolio. Laka’s strong commitment to customer service makes them the ideal partner to ensure a smooth transition for our policyholders. This strategic step allows Allianz Direct to sharpen our focus on home and travel insurance and drive innovation, delivering even greater value to our customers.”

    In addition to actively acquiring in this space, Laka continues to expand its customer base across Europe both direct to consumer, and with partners such as Decathlon, Gazelle, Brompton, Riese & Müller, Gaya and Tenways, and via leasing providers.

    For further information contact:
    For media information:
    Agence Relations
    Jihane Teretal
    jhane@jt-conseil.com
    06 08 27 68 85

    About Laka
    Laka, winner of the ‘Best Cycle Insurance Provider’ Award seven years in a row, has challenged outdated traditional insurance to provide customers and businesses’ with a fairer, collective-driven approach to insurance. Laka customers pay no upfront premiums, and are instead charged based on the cost of claims submitted by the collective the previous month. Fewer claims result in lower charges. Laka customers work together as a collective and share the cost of claims. Laka handles all claims, divides the cost fairly and limits each customer’s maximum monthly spend with a cap based on the value of the equipment insured by each individual member. Laka members fully benefit from lower costs but are also protected if there are a high volume of claims in any given month.

    About Allianz Direct
    Allianz Direct is the online future of online insurance, operating in five European market. Driven by the mission to become “digitally unbeatable” and to be the most customer-oriented and efficient insurer in the market, Allianz Direct has set new standards in the digital insurance landscape with its intuitive and intelligent insurance offerings. The direct insurer focuses on simplicity in implementation and straightforwardness in development: insurance policies are easily taken out online or by phone, and the product range is continuously expanded and optimized on the basis of valuable customer feedback. Allianz Direct is characterized by its agility, global expertise, and profound customer understanding, positioning itself as a leader in the digital transformation across

  3. Segway to launch new E150S eScooter in 2025

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    Source: Notebook Check

    In the second half of 2025, LEVA-EU member Segway will launch its latest electric scooter in Europe with enhanced, cutting-edge features, building on the success of previous models.

    World-renowned electric mobility provider Segway has announced that its new E150S eScooter, an L1e-B category model, will be an improvement on two previous models, the E110S and E125S, with upgraded features.

    Like its predecessors, the E150S is designed for urban commuting and has been equipped with a more powerful motor, expandable battery, a colour TFT display with smart features and a traction control system.

    The E150S has a top speed of 45 km/h thanks to a 2.7 kW rated motor (3.6 kW peak power). Its 74A 27Ah lithium-ion battery is expected to provide a range of up to 60km (WMTC estimate) and customers will have the option to purchase up to two additional batteries to extend this range to 180km (WMTC estimate). Segway also highlights its fast charging capabilities, stating that each battery pack can be recharged in less than 2.5 hours.

    It will include other features including a dual-channel ABS, traction control, hill holder control and reverse mode. Plus, its smart TFT screen offers an intelligent riding system integrated with smart navigation (this will be a paid feature available only in selected regions and is still in development, so will be rolled out via an over-the-air (OTA) update after launch).

    Segway’s latest e-scooter will also come with the following accessories: a Class-D LED headlight, an automatic handlebar lock and an anti-skid seat.

    The planned launch date and pricing options of the E150S eScooter will be announced later this year.

  4. Steward Rik Bossuyt accompanies Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne winner Philipsen on Ampyre e-scooter

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    Source: Sporza.

    Over the years, Rik Bossuyt has become a well-known figure in the Flemish spring classics, leading race winners to the podium zone on foot, by bike, and later by electric scooter. This year, at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, he opted for a new approach once again.

    Ahead of the race, Bossuyt hinted at introducing a different mode of transport but kept the details under wraps. Following Jasper Philipsen’s victory on Sunday, the secret was revealed—Bossuyt appeared on an Ampyre e-scooter, ensuring he could keep up with the fast-finishing Belgian.

    The most famous steward in Flanders, who was also featured on this year’s Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne poster, continues to make his mark with his ever-evolving choice of transport.

    LEVA-EU member Ampyre’s e-scooter proves itself not only as an urban mobility solution but also as a reliable choice for high-speed events like Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.

  5. Segway: “We provide 67% of Oslo’s shared e-scooters to transform urban mobility”

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    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.”

  6. Shared bikes and scooters facilitate 24 million rides in 2024 in Belgium

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    Source: Way to Go

    Comprehensive data is available for the first time on shared mobility in Belgium. By the end of 2024, more than 40,000 shared vehicles were in operation, including 21,721 shared bicycles, 18,764 shared scooters, and 8,976 shared cars.

    Flanders accounts for the largest portion of shared bicycles, with 64% of the total. Meanwhile, Brussels and Wallonia hold 35% and 1%, respectively. When it comes to shared scooters, the highest concentration is in Brussels, which hosts over half (52%) of the country’s 18,764 scooters.

    24 million trips taken on shared bikes and scooters in 2024

    Beyond the sheer number of available vehicles, their usage is also noteworthy. Shared bikes and scooters were used for a staggering 24 million rides throughout 2024. Flanders leads in bike usage, accounting for 76.7% of all rides, whereas Brussels dominates scooter usage with 63.6% of all trips.

    Nearly 2 million active users

    In 2024, there were 722,997 active users of shared bicycles and 1,237,280 users of shared scooters. Preferences for bike-sharing systems differ by region.

    In Flanders, nearly 80% of trips involve back-to-many systems with fixed stations, such as Antwerp’s red Velo bikes, which can be dropped off at any designated Velo station. However, only 40% of shared bikes in Flanders belong to this system. In contrast, Brussels users favor back-to-many bikes without fixed stations (i.e. such as those from Dott and Bolt) which can be left at designated drop zones marked in the app. Although these bikes account for less than half of Brussels’ supply, they represent two-thirds of all shared bike trips in the region.

    Availability drives usage

    An important takeaway from the report is that increased shared bike and scooter availability leads to greater usage. “That is an important conclusion,” says Jeffrey Matthijs, director of Way To Go. Notable trends include the high usage of electric back-to-many bikes without fixed stations in Brussels (4.1 rides per day per 1,000 residents) and those with fixed stations in Flanders (2.9 rides per day). Meanwhile, Brussels stands out for its shared scooter usage, boasting 7.8 scooters and 16.6 rides per day per 1,000 residents.

    Brussels leads in shared mobility density

    Brussels has the highest density of shared vehicles, with 6.1 shared bikes and 7.8 shared scooters per 1,000 residents. Flanders follows with 2.0 bikes and 1.0 scooter per 1,000 residents, while Wallonia trails with 0.1 shared bike and 0.6 shared scooters per 1,000 residents. “Internationally, the Brussels Region scores better than cities such as London and Rotterdam, but it lags behind frontrunners such as Paris,” notes Matthijs.

    Car sharing sees 22% growth

    The number of car-sharing users in Flanders has surged, rising by 22% to reach 46,599 active participants in 2024. This figure includes users of round-trip and private shared cars, but excludes free-floating car-sharing services due to a lack of reported data. As a result, the true number of car-sharing participants is likely even higher.

    A comprehensive review of shared mobility

    The data comes from Way To Go’s latest shared mobility report. While the organization has previously published annual car-sharing figures, this marks the first time bike and scooter sharing have been systematically analyzed.

    Read the full report here.

  7. Swifty Scooters closes down with hopes of a future revival

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    Source: Zag Daily

    British e-scooter manufacturer and LEVA-EU member Swifty Scooters made history in 2023 by developing the UK’s first-ever road-legal private e-scooter.

    However, despite its groundbreaking innovation and industry recognition, the company recently entered liquidation, highlighting the challenges faced by British micromobility start-ups amid uncertain regulatory and economic conditions.

    A legacy of innovation

    Founded in 2010, Swifty Scooters built a reputation for pioneering high-quality, foldable kick scooters for adults. Over the years, the company expanded its product range, culminating in the Swifty GO GT500, a stand-on electric moped classified as a DVSA-approved L1e-B category vehicle. By designing a scooter that met stringent UK road safety and regulatory standards, Swifty circumvented the country’s ongoing ban on private e-scooters, making the GT500 the first legally approved private e-scooter for UK roads.

    This achievement was recognized in 2023 when Swifty received the Best Start-Up Award at the Micromobility America conference. The company was also among four British firms awarded funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre for the development of zero-emission vehicle technologies.

    Despite its international success—exporting to 56 countries and working with five global distributors—Swifty faced increasing domestic challenges due to the UK’s lack of clear e-scooter legislation. Hopes for new regulations were initially raised in 2022 when the Queen’s Speech indicated plans for a light zero-emission vehicle category. However, by the King’s Speech in 2023, the proposal was absent, leaving Swifty and other UK e-scooter manufacturers in a legal gray area.

    Market setbacks for Swifty’s GT500 Stand-up Moped

    Determined to operate within existing UK regulations, Swifty identified a legal loophole: while mopeds require approval from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), they are not required to have a seat. This insight allowed Swifty to create the GT500 Stand-Up Moped, maintaining the accessibility and ease of an e-scooter while complying with insurance and safety regulations.

    The GT500 offered a safe and sustainable transport alternative, with a top speed of 24mph and an operating cost of 0.6p per mile. It also featured one of the safest battery systems available—a UK-made 15Ah Lithium FerroPhosphate (LFP) battery, similar to those used by Tesla, designed to minimize fire risks.

    Despite significant demand—evidenced by a large pre-order waiting list—Swifty’s success was undermined by repeated insurance setbacks. Multiple insurers initially committed to supporting the GT500, only to withdraw later, citing economic uncertainties tied to the UK and US elections. Venture capital firms expressed similar hesitations, advising the company to wait until after the elections before seeking investment.

    These delays disrupted Swifty’s production timeline, prompting customers to request refunds on pre-orders, which severely impacted cash flow. Combined with high interest rates and the lack of government support for micromobility legislation, the financial strain ultimately forced the company into liquidation.

    Regulatory roadblocks in the UK

    Swifty’s downfall underscores broader challenges that UK micromobility startups face. Unlike many European nations that have embraced clear e-scooter regulations, the UK remains one of the last major markets without a permanent legal framework.

    “There’s so much negativity in mainstream media about light electric vehicles, despite research showing this category could make a huge impact in reducing transport emissions. It makes it feel impossible to attract investment and it’s so damaging for a sector which is vital to cutting transport emissions,” Swifty’s co-founder Camilla Iftakhar told Zag Daily.

    While the company initially planned to expand into the US market, launching locally in the UK was seen as a strategic move to attract investment. Swifty had hoped that a successful UK launch would position it as a leading British brand in the green mobility sector.

    A possible future for Swifty

    Despite its closure, Swifty’s legacy remains intact. The company holds valuable intellectual property (IP), trademarks, and design registrations, along with a loyal customer base and established brand recognition.

    “We tried, we gave it our best shot and we have no regrets,” said co-founder Jason Iftakhar. “And we still have hope that Swifty could be the Brompton of scooters in the future. We have this huge opportunity on a plate for investors and partners, and we’re ready to work with them to make it a reality.”

    With all the elements for success in place, Swifty’s innovative approach to road-legal e-scooters could still find a future under new leadership or investment. Whether the UK government moves forward with clearer micromobility regulations could determine whether Swifty—or a successor— brings legal private e-scooters to UK streets.

    The full article about Swifty’s closure can be accessed on Zag Daily.

  8. E-scooter fleet doubles and permits extended in Oslo

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    Source: ZAG Daily

    Oslo plans to increase its shared e-scooter fleet from 8,000 to 16,000 vehicles starting April 1, 2025, with an option to raise the total to 18,000 if needed.

    Oslo City Council has also approved extending operator permits from one to two years, aiming to improve micromobility access in the city’s outskirts, where car ownership is higher, and public transport less accessible.

    These changes are intended to position shared e-scooters as a supplement to public transport, enhancing transit connectivity and reducing car use. The city’s public transport authority, Ruter, played a consultative role in the decision. Øyvind Kragh Kjos, Ruter’s Shared Mobility Product Specialist, highlighted the focus on expanding access in low-density areas and improving links to bus stops.

    The updated regulations adjust fleet distribution across the city, based on its ring road system:

    • Within Ring 2: 4,400 e-scooters (no change).
    • Between Ring 2 and Ring 3: 3,200 e-scooters (an increase of 800).
    • Outside Ring 3: 8,400 e-scooters.

    Fabian Paasche Engesæth, Associate at Oslo-based mobility consulting firm Movability, commented that the move contrasts with more restrictive approaches in cities like Paris and Madrid, emphasising Oslo’s focus on leveraging e-scooters to enhance transit availability. “The cap increase improves the commercial viability for operators while benefiting citizens in underserved areas,” he said.

    Impact on Operators

    Voi, Ryde, and Bolt, the three operators awarded contracts in Oslo, welcomed the new regulations. Christina Moe Gjerde, Voi’s Vice President for Northern Europe, described the changes as a significant opportunity to meet growing demand for sustainable transport. She noted that the longer contract period provides stability for long-term investments, while increased fleet capacity allows better service coverage and stronger integration with public transport.

    Ryde CEO Tobias Balchen praised Oslo’s approach to addressing specific urban transport challenges rather than applying strict caps citywide. He emphasised that the regulations reflect a shift toward recognising micromobility as an integral part of urban transport systems.

    Looking Ahead

    Oslo previously reduced its e-scooter fleet from nearly 20,000 to comply with tighter regulations, prompting some operators to exit the market. The new framework, however, is seen as a “game-changer” by Movability Advisor Morten Askeland, who noted that it enhances Oslo’s attractiveness as a key market for operators. The upcoming tender process is expected to be highly competitive as operators prepare to capitalize on the city’s expanded commercial potential.

  9. Italy takes action against irresponsible e-scooter use after an increase in accidents

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    Source: Reuters

    Italy’s parliament has approved a bill mandating helmet use and insurance for e-scooter riders, while introducing stricter penalties for improper parking as part of a comprehensive update to the highway code. The Senate finalised the law with an 83-47 vote.

    E-scooter usage has grown significantly in Italy, mirroring trends in other European countries. However, this increase has been accompanied by a rise in accidents and complaints from drivers and pedestrians about violations of safety and parking rules. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, in a social media post, stated, “No more wild scooters,” adding that e-scooters will now require license plates and will be prohibited from cycle lanes, pedestrian areas, and non-urban roads.

    According to national statistics institute ISTAT, road accidents involving e-scooters that resulted in injuries rose to 3,365 in 2023, with 21 fatalities, compared to 2,929 injuries and 16 fatalities in 2022. Other European cities have also imposed restrictions on e-scooter use. In 2023, Paris banned rented electric scooters following an April referendum, while Madrid implemented a similar ban in September 2023.

    Proponents of e-scooters argue they offer a low-cost, zero-emission alternative to public transportation in cities like Rome and Milan, where they are popular with both residents and tourists. Rental companies criticised the new restrictions as excessive. They emphasised that e-scooters are equipped with speed controls and geo-localisation features, which help prevent misuse.

    “They have a technology that inhibits certain bad behaviors that are the source of the most serious accidents,” said Andrea Giaretta, Vice President for Southern and Western Europe, Middle East at Dott. Giorgio Cappiello, Head of Institutional Relations in Italy for Bird, another rental company, described the new rules as “completely ideological” and noted that his company reported no fatalities involving their vehicles in 2022 and 2023.

    The updated highway code also introduces harsher penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and includes a prison sentence of up to seven years for abandoning animals on the road if it results in accidents. Salvini, who also serves as deputy prime minister and leads the hard-right League party, stated that the revisions were developed after extensive consultations, with the shared aim of reducing road fatalities in Italy.