Tag Archive: E-scooter

1. Swifty Scooters awarded grant funding for new electric scooter

   22/09/2023 13:08 Comments Off on Swifty Scooters awarded grant funding for new electric scooter

   Swifty Scooters is one of four British companies to be awarded funding totalling £1.1mn to support the research and development of zero emission vehicle technologies. Funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) and supported by Innovate UK, the ‘Production Readiness Competition’ is delivered by the Niche Vehicle Network (NVN) with support from Cenex.

   Despite the UK’s stance regarding permitting electric scooters on UK roads, Swifty have demonstrated the significance of their innovative design in their winning bid.

   “In the current context, it’s vitally important that we enable more people to make clean and low-cost journeys. We’re delighted to finally have the recognition of the importance of our electric scooter design – we are confident that our new vehicle will raise the bar in terms of safety within the industry.” Camilla Iftakhar, Co-founder, Swifty Scooters

   Swifty’s new electric scooters will be among other competition winners, Maeving electric motorcycles, Callum Designs EV and Ariel Motor All-Terrain Vehicle, creating an exciting and diverse display of British innovative companies working towards a Net Zero future.

   “These Production Readiness projects play an important role in developing the UK low volume EV supply chain, creating that not only benefit the projects but also the wider niche vehicle sector.” Scott Thompson, Programme Manager, Niche Vehicle Network.

   An Electric Scooter Optimised for Superior Rider Safety

   The question of scooter safety is probably the main concern within the public sphere. The negative reporting by the press continues to perpetuate people’s safety concerns making it difficult for regulators to make any decisive move. Meanwhile, the industry produces a vast array of differentiated models and designs, and the technology is advancing quickly.

   The new electric scooter that is soon to be unveiled by Swifty is designed for road and cycle-lane riding, and will incorporate the tried and tested Swifty geometry which boasts superior stability and control. It will feature Swifty’s signature 16 inch wheels, front and rear suspension, disk brakes, and a safe battery and charging system will be incorporated.

   “By collaborating with a UK battery specialist PMBL, we aim to utilise the latest battery chemistry LFP (also known as LiFePO4 or Lithium Ferro Phosphate). LFP batteries operate at a lower temperature and are more inherently safe than regular Lithium-ion batteries. They also do not contain cobalt, which we know is a problematic industry.” Jason Iftakhar, Co-founder, Swifty Scooters

   Swifty remain pragmatic in their design approach, advocating the need for regulation in a comprehensive safety standard that build on existing standards of the e-bike industry, plus the need for users to obtain insurance. However, it is unlikely that the UK regulations will permit e-scooters (apart from on private land) by the time the new vehicle enters the market in April 2024. The founders remain positive that UK regulations will be inclusive of these new technologies in the efforts to reach Net Zero.

   Swifty’s new vehicle demonstrates that safety and e-scooters can go hand in hand and are looking to export markets to unveil their design. 

   Best Electric Scooter for Adults to be Unveiled in the USA

   Swifty Scooters will be revealing their new design at the Micromobility Industries Show in San Fransisco in October. Swifty Scooters has pioneered the adult kick-scooter market with their high-quality and uniquely foldable designs since their inception in 2010.

   With a focus on accessible transport for short-distance travel, the new model promises to push the capabilities of the new mode with their high-quality design. Founder Jason Iftakhar has described the new scooter as Swifty’s best electric scooter to date.

   “Riding a safe and stable scooter optimises the rider experience. The thrill of riding electric, standing up is an unbeatable feeling. The handling and control of our design we believe is industry leading. We’re confident our customers will love the feeling as much as we do.” Jason Iftakhar, Co-founder, Swifty Scooters

   They are looking forward to releasing more details to their community in the coming weeks.

2. Prague 1 Municipal District bans e-scooter parking

   18/09/2023 13:30 Comments Off on Prague 1 Municipal District bans e-scooter parking

   Source: TheMAYOR.eu, Prague Monitor

   The municipal district, which includes much of the medieval historic heart of the city, has unanimously agreed a motion to prohibit the parking of electric scooters in its public spaces.

   In a similar vein the the Paris restrictions, and other proposals across Europe, Prague has decided to place limits that forbid the parking of shared e-scooters within its central streets and parks. The district also plans to approach the municipality to extend this ban to cover the entire conservation area.

   The move appears to be motivated by concern for public safety, as well by numbers of tourists unfamiliar both with the vehicles and the local streets. Co-sponsor Pavel Marc (Praha 1 Sobě) was quoted as saying, “Having relatively hefty machines, often occupied by two people, constantly cluttering our sidewalks and endangering our elderly population is incompatible with life in this part of the city,” 

   Though the motion prohibits parking, there is some leniency in the fact that it does not forbid e-scooters from passing through the zone. Current affected operators in the city include Lime and Bolt.

   It was reported that Miroslav Stejskal, director of the Prague 1 municipal police, shared that officers had dealt with 4,352 scooter-related offences and issued fines amounting to approximately CZK 1.1 million (about 45,000 euros) over a six month period. This is in contrast to the number of offences related to cyclists in the same period, which numbered 560, or about eight times less.

   

3. Over 50 organisations urgently call on UK Government to address e-scooter legislation

   25/08/2023 18:35 Comments Off on Over 50 organisations urgently call on UK Government to address e-scooter legislation

   Source: MMB & Zag Daily

   More than 50 organisations have signed a letter to the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, calling on the government to establish a timeline for e-scooter legislation.

   Environmental charities, local authorities, disabled people’s organisations, micromobility operators, and retailers have signed a joint letter from Now Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) to encourage the government to expedite the progression of this legislation.

   Currently, rental e-scooters are exclusively accessible through government-approved trials available in approximately 23 towns and cities across England, while the use of privately-owned e-scooters on public roads remains prohibited by law.

   The UK stands as the only developed nation lacking either permanent legal frameworks for e-scooters or definitive commitments towards plans to legalise them.

   The letter sent to Mark Harper MP, Transport Secretary and Jesse Norman MP, Minister of State reads: “Currently e-scooter trials are due to end after May 2024. These trials are ingrained into local transportation systems enabling thousands of people to get to work, higher education and to run errands. Yet there is no certainty of these trials beyond spring next year now the ability of additional towns or cities to introduce these services.

   “The lack of certainty combined with the fact an estimated 750,000 privately owned and unregulated e-scooters are on UK roads underscored the importance of e-scooter legislation being included in this year’s king’s speech.

   “Another extension to shared e-scooters does not address private e-scooters. These private vehicles are unlikely to undergo regular maintenance by trained professionals or have government mandated safety features.

   “Private e-scooters can cause concern for road users particularly disabled people in addition to potentially being unsafe for riders, however, this is where legislation and regulation can make a positive difference.”

   Among the signatories include the Campaign for Better Transport, Clean Cities Campaign, London Cycling Campaign, Major Trauma Group, Northamptonshire Police, Pure Electric, Southampton Sight, Sustrans, Thomas Pocklington Trust, Transport Action Network, Urban Transport Group, and Women in Transport.

   Local authorities include Essex County Council, Milton Keynes City Council, North Northamptonshire Council, Somerset Council, West Northamptonshire Council, and West Yorkshire Combined Authority have also lent their support.

   Leading micromobility operators such as Voi, Beryl, Dott, Ginger, Lime, Superpedestrian, Tier, and Zwings have additionally signed the initiative.

   In a statement to Zag Daily, Richard Dilks, the Chief Executive of CoMoUK, emphasized, “While we appreciate the government’s prior inclusion of this commitment in the Queen’s Speech, it is disheartening that we are yet to witness the enactment of legislation establishing a distinct class for powered light vehicles. Consequently, the UK now finds itself significantly trailing neighboring nations with comparable circumstances.”

   A recent independent survey conducted by Voi, involving 2,000 respondents aged between 18 and 64, found that more than 80% of the general public support new regulatory measures for e-scooters, while over 70% expressed a desire for the implementation of these regulations prior to the next General Election, which is likely to be held next year.

4. Krakow proposes measures to tackle e-scooter parking problems

   16:50 Comments Off on Krakow proposes measures to tackle e-scooter parking problems

   Source: Eltis

   Similar to many European cities, Krakow in Poland has experienced rapid growth in the use of e-scooters, the majority of which have been provided by shared mobility operators. However, like many cities, it has encountered the growing problem of e-scooters that have been parked improperly or abandoned throughout the city, causing obstructions and becoming a a source of frustration for the city’s residents. As a result, the city’s authorities have put forward new measures to regulate the parking of e-scooters.

   In May, the city’s authorities communicated with three commercial e-scooter operators about the forthcoming changes. Deputy Mayor of Krakow, Andrzej Kulig, stated, “We informed the representatives of three companies about the end of the period of free use of the city space. We also proposed the introduction of a municipal patrol, which would be financed by operators from fines for improperly parked scooters, as well as fees for using areas belonging to the municipality.” Kulig further explained, “The current state of Krakow is unsustainable…Despite existing arrangements with equipment operators, the problem of abandoned devices has been steadily growing, mainly due to the lack of legal regulations.”

   In 2020, Krakow Public Transport Authority and e-scooter operators entered an agreement, encompassing measures including enforcing a speed limit for e-scooters in the city centre and designating a no-parking zone including the Old Town and sections of the Vistula Boulevards. Outside of these areas, e-scooters were directed to be parked at specified locations known as ‘mobility hubs’. These hubs, established and designed by the City without charge for operators, were designated areas for proper parking. Operators were made responsible for the removal of improperly parked e-scooters. The city has now informed operators that they will need to start paying for the use of the mobility hubs under a lease contract. Additionally, the operators will be fined for e-scooters that require removal.

   In the meantime, the commercial operators have agreed between themselves to cap the maximum number of e-scooters at mobility hubs in central areas. In practice, users will be unable to return e-scooters once the hub’s maximum capacity is reached, meaning they will have to find an alternative hub. The operators have also urged the city to establish additional mobility points, potentially introducing a new type that permits users to start and end rentals, but unlike the current mobility points, there would be no active e-scooter deployment by operators. Moreover, the maximum number of e-scooters permitted at these points would be significantly lower.

   Krakow city authorities are optimistic that these new measures will alleviate the nuisance caused by improperly parked e-scooters. If not, they will explore additional actions, which could potentially include restricting e-scooter numbers by regulation or even terminating contracts with the operators.

5. Irish e-scooter legislation changes welcomed

   03/07/2023 15:39 Comments Off on Irish e-scooter legislation changes welcomed

   Source: Zag Daily

   An important new step in the legal recognition of e-scooters in Ireland has been welcomed by shared-micromobility companies. Signed by Irish President Michael Higgins, The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 includes “powered personal transporters”, a category representative of e-scooters. More details on the requirements for private and shared e-scooters on Irish roads will follow.

   

   CEO and Founder of shared-mobility data solutions provider Anadue, Mike Manchip, commented to Zag Daily, “It has been a long time coming, and it’s a very positive move for Ireland”, further mentioning, “There is a need for local authorities and shared e-scooter companies to coordinate how to deploy shared e-scooter services that are sustainable.”

   Operators

   Head of Public Policy for Bolt Ireland, Aisling Dunne, welcomed the news of the legislation being signed into law. “We are now waiting for the publication of the regulations, which will contain greater details on the vehicle standards and user behaviour,” said Dunne. “We will continue to work with local councils and look forward to shared schemes launching before the end of the year.”

   Lime, a relative newcomer to the Irish market with a Castlebar-based scheme, also recognised the legislation. Senior Public Affairs Manager, Hal Stevenson, commented, “We look forward to working with Irish cities and transport partners to build on our existing successful operations here.”

   Also in support was Jessica Hall, Tier’s Head of Public Policy for the UK and Ireland. Tier initially launched its first full scale e-bike scheme in 2022 in Fingal, Ireland, while an e-scooter trial has been in operation on private land at DCU for the past two years. Commenting to Zag Daily, Hall had confidence that the legislation offered a sustainable alternative to the car, “With proper legislation the public can feel secure in the knowledge that the vehicles they ride are legal and law enforcement can focus on anti-social behaviour and illegal vehicles.”

   Hall went on to say, “We are well placed to ensure these new vehicles are introduced safely. We are excited to be able to offer e-scooters alongside our existing docked push bikes and e-bikes and dockless e-bikes and e-cargo bikes, to cater to the unique transport needs each town or city presents.”

   Also commenting to Zag was Irish firm Zeus’s CEO, Damien Young: “As Ireland’s largest and only homegrown scooter company, we have worked closely with local councils for several years. This legislation represents a significant step towards embracing sustainable mobility solutions, and Zeus is committed to playing a role in this positive transition.”

   Regulation

   Ireland’s Road Traffic and Roads Bill currently allows “powered personal transporters” on roads, which must adhere to limits of 25 km/h and 0.5 kilowatts of maximum continuous rated power. A second piece of legislation will deliver more details.

6. Segway’s Lite L60E sets the standards

   12/06/2023 17:55 Comments Off on Segway’s Lite L60E sets the standards

   Source: Zag Daily

   Following the launch of its AI-powered S90L e-scooter at Micromobility Europe in 2022, LEVA-EU member Segway-Ninebot introduces the Lite L60E, continuing to develop its range whilst recognising the user community and their accompanying environments.

   

   Strategic developments in improving shared mobility vehicle hardware take precedence over rapid expansion plans, as even the slightest modifications can have significant cost implications. Interests and requests are considered, and Segway’s new e-scooter, the Lite L60E, has been launched to provide safe, efficient and affordable riding.

   Segway’s Strategic Product Manager, Yao Yao, commented, “Designed with a focus not only on operators’ unit economics but also on the experience for riders and citizens on the streets, we are leveraging our engineering and extensive sharing business expertise to empower operators with the Segway Lite L60E.”, further mentioning, “This innovative vehicle is aimed at optimising unit economics, prioritising road safety, and enhancing the overall riding experience.”

   Technical efficiency

   Segway’s latest e-scooter is powered by a new 48V 576Wh battery, meaning a single charge increases the range by 30% to 65km. This naturally reduces the need for battery changes and charging, and therefore benefits the end user considerably. What’s more, highly accurate positioning by way of onboard data storage, dual-band GNSS and multi-constellation tech, means that operations teams can locate each vehicle with accuracy and efficiency in their daily tasks.

   The L60E additionally comes with improved CAN bus communication, transferring data up to eight times faster than UART communication and optimising the main control bus cable from 8pin to 5pin. This means simplified operation management and servicing.

   Safety improvements

   Frame strength was the initial focus for Segway’s safety improvements, initiated by a series of tests to meet the manufacturer’s new standards. A vibration test was performed one million times to ensure it could surpass hostile and unfathomable terrains, while a 96-hour salt spray test that encompassed electrophoresis and powder coating processes was also performed. Passing such tests means reduced repair costs and an extended lifetime for the e-scooter.

   In addition to frame safety, the L60E’s aluminium stem was put through its paces with a 600N thrust force performed over 300,000 times. The more powerful 48V battery, meanwhile, has new dual-housing that provides collision and drop protection, whilst also operating at a quieter level and delivering a more linear acceleration.

   Enhancing the user’s experience

   To improve the overall riding experience, Segway has additionally increased the width of the foot pad by 30% and has overhauled the dashboard to display only crucial information to include slow-riding, no-parking and no-riding zones.

   Some of Segway’s championed features have remained, however. The front dual suspension system, front 11.5” and rear 10.5” PU-filled tires, a high-powered 400W motor that boosts gradability up to 14%, and new generation IoT for improved positioning and location accuracy are standard.

   Customisation

   Due to the variety in country and city regulations and requirements, different customisation packages are available for the L60E, each helping to reduce costs where possible. Owners can select from two versions (EU and KC) and three vehicle types: Lite L60E, Lite L60L, and Lite L60X.

   The Segway Lite L60E was on display at the Micromobility Industries European summit in Amsterdam earlier in June.

7. Brussels proposes to reduce shared scooter numbers to 8,000 from 2024

   08/05/2023 11:18 Comments Off on Brussels proposes to reduce shared scooter numbers to 8,000 from 2024

   Source: vrt nws

   With a current combined fleet of 21,000 scooters in the streets in the Brussels region, a draft decision aims to cut these down to 8,000 and limit the number of operators to 2

   
   The Brussels government wants to allow a maximum of 8,000 shared scooters in the capital’s streets from next year, vrt reports. With the number currently standing at 21,000, this equates to a reduction of more than 60%. The proposal comes in the form of a draft decision that the government has approved at second reading. From 2024, the government also wants only 2 distributors of shared scooters in the capital. Additionally, there be limits on other shared vehicles, such as bicycles and cargo bikes.

   To combat wild parking, the principle of “drop zones” will be extended to the entire territory of the capital region from January. Scooters will only be allowed to be left behind in those zones. The government also wants heavier fines, or levies for the movement or removal of a vehicle that is left behind, outside of these drop zones. If that is not sufficient, it cannot be ruled out that a strict ban will be introduced at a later stage. This was already stated in parliament a few weeks ago by Minister of Mobility Elke Van den Brandt (Green).

   Last autumn, Van den Brandt presented the draft decision to regulate the market for shared scooters and bicycles in Brussels. Since then, there has been extensive consultation with, among others, the municipalities and police zones. The draft decree still has to be submitted to the Council of State before the government can start a third and final reading.

8. Segway-Ninebot showcase new features for 2023

   13/03/2023 17:21 Comments Off on Segway-Ninebot showcase new features for 2023

   Source: Clean Rider M. Torregrossa

   LEVA-EU member Segway-Ninebot is expanding its range of electric scooters in 2023, from entry-level to advanced models.

   The Sino-American brand presented its new range at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, where their 125 electric scooter, the Segway E300SE took stage with other models.

   G2 Max: an upscaled option

   In comparison to the 2019 MAX G30, the new MAX G2 can boast more power and better performance. An integrated rear wheel motor that develops 900 watts of peak power, a double suspension system and a new 551 Wh battery, propel the scooter to 25 km/h and offers a certified alternative to the new Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Ultra. A supplementary feature is the integration with Apple’s “Find My” function, meaning the scooter can be easily located via a mobile phone.

   The cost of the new Segway G2 is not yet announced, although prices are estimated to be around 1,000 €

   	Segway-Ninebot MAX G2	Segway-Ninebot MAX G30
   Nominal Power	450W	350W
   Peak Power	900W	700W
   Max Speed	25km/h	25km/h
   Battery	551Wh	551Wh
   Maximum Range	50km	65km
   Weight	24.3kg	19.9kg

   A revisited F2 range

   The F2 Series has also been redeveloped to address mid-range requirements. Comprising three models – F2, F2 Plus and F2 Pro – the updated models have a wider handlebar and integrated indicators.

   	Segway-Ninebot F2	Segway-Ninebot F2 Plus	Segway-Ninebot F2 Pro
   Rated Power	400W	400W	450W
   Peak Power	800W	800W	900W
   Max Speed	25km/h	25km/h	25km/h
   Battery	367 Wh	460 Wh	460 Wh
   Maximum Range	40km	55km	55km
   Weight	17.2kg	17.5kg	18.5kg

   The developments are largely based around battery upgrades, where the basic models detail a pack of 367 Wh and the F2 Plus increases to 460 Wh. The F2 Pro, with upgrades to the front suspension and engine obtained from the G2, generates 900 watts of maximum power.

   Segway E2: the entry level option

   Two models in the E2 series are the latest low-cost offer from Segway, specifically designed for short journeys. The E2 showcases a 450 watt motor and a small 220 Wh battery that allow a single-charge journey of 25km and a 20km/h maximum speed. The E2 Plus has the same battery but a more powerful engine that delivers 25km/h.

   	Segway-Ninebot E2	Segway-Ninebot E2 Plus
   Nominal Power	250W	300W
   Peak Power	450W	500W
   Engine	Front Wheel	Front Wheel
   Max Speed	20km/h	25km/h
   Crossing	12%	12%
   Battery	220Wh	220Wh
   Maximum Range	25km	25km
   Weight	14.2kg	14.4kg

   

9. Location and date confirmed for EUROBIKE 2024

   06/03/2023 16:23 Comments Off on Location and date confirmed for EUROBIKE 2024

   EUROBIKE 2024, the show’s 32nd edition, will take place between 3 – 7 July, at Messe Frankfurt.

   The 32nd edition of the leading trade fair for bike and mobility products, EUROBIKE, takes place at Messe Frankfurt from 3 to 7 July 2024. The BIKE BIZ REVOLUTION will take place the day before the show, and will look to the future when the industry meets to discuss forthcoming trends and their risks and opportunities for the mobility market.

   In line with previous iterations, the platform for the bike and mobility world will be dedicated to trade visitors for three days from Wednesday to Friday before opening its doors to all bike fans at the weekend with a programme of events, races, tests and other opportunities. “As the new Eurobike in Frankfurt grows and gathers momentum, we see it as our mission to provide the bike and light electric vehicle sectors with guidance and planning security,” says fairnamic Managing Director and Head of EUROBIKE Stefan Reisinger explaining the reasons for the early scheduling.

   

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