Tag Archive: E-SCOOTERS

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

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    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.

  2. Brussels suburbs refuse entry to shared e-scooter services

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    Source: TheMayor.eu

    The suburbs surrounding the Belgian capital have recently made the decision to abolish access for e-scooters – in contrast to Paris’s policies, where they have been banned from the city centre’s streets.

    In April, Paris residents voted to ban the e-scooter sharing services within the city, sparking discussions about the potential emergence of this action in other major European cities. Interestingly, in neighbouring Belgium, it’s not the capital region but the tranquil suburbs adjacent to Brussels that are embracing this idea.

    These new changes mean that attempting to complete a journey on an e-scooter across the municipal limits to neighbouring suburbs just isn’t possible.

    E-scooter companies have since urged Flemish local authorities to allow shared micro-mobility services, however these efforts have been met with strong opposition. E-scooter operators like Bolt and Tier are keen to expand into the Flemish satellite municipalities surrounding Brussels due to their proximity to the city centre, unlike the municipalities situated to the south of Brussels, which are more distant from the centre.

    Given that shared e-scooter schemes would improve the mobility integration with downtown Brussels, where many residents work and spend leisure time, this begs the question of why the governments of the municipalities in question refuse to allow this.

    According to The Brussels Times, the smaller local governments are unimpressed by the numerous complaints about reckless speeding and chaotic parking that often accompany the use of shared micro-mobility services.

    Ingrid Holemans, the mayor of Zaventem, a town whose territory includes the international airport of the Belgian capital, simply stated, “We don’t want them.”

    The VIAS road safety institute reveals that accidents involving electric scooters in Belgium have quadrupled over the past two years. Such statistics raise concerns among local officials, who have concluded that e-scooters could disrupt the peaceful nature of suburban life.

    Even in Brussels proper, the future appears bleak for electric two-wheelers. Starting from 2024, only two operators will be allowed to operate within the Belgian capital, each with a cap of 4,000 scooters. Whether this restriction will influence the municipalities to open their doors to these services remains uncertain.

  3. Italy’s e-scooter suppression plans

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    Source: Bloomberg

    Once considered the post-covid future of urban transport, pedestrians and other road users are now viewing the transport means unfavorably. Deemed a menace to city streets and a source of obstruction on sidewalks in cities including Rome and Milan, changes are ahead.

    According to a draft of Italy’s transport code seen by Bloomberg, e-scooters will now need a registration plate and owners will need an insurance policy. In addition, of e-scooters sharing services, something that has seen rapid expansion, will also face authoritative restrictions.

    Transport Minister, Matteo Salvini, has promised to address traffic violations from e-scooter users, who will furthermore be required to wear helmets. Manufacturers of e-scooters will also be required to fit turning indicators. The Italian media did initially report the introduction of license plates for bicycles, but this was not seen by Bloomberg.

    It is not just Italy where e-scooter restraints are being aired. Many other European cities are airing complaints. This year, Paris residents voted to completely ban hiring services throughout the city.

    According to data from Osservatorio Sharing Mobility, a state-backed sector association, over 45,000 rental scooters were present on Italian streets in 2021, reflective of their use as an alternative to public transport and the absence of cycling lanes in the larger cities.

    Other proposed changes to the transport code include hardened measures for drunk driving, which includes a lifetime ban, and restrictions for those younger people who have only recently received their license.

  4. Lavoie series 1 e-scooter is now available for pre-order: founders edition, pricing, specs and colour options by Callum revealed 

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    The Series 1 e-scooter by LAVOIE – McLaren Applied’s new premium micromobility company – is now available to pre-order at the LAVOIE website from 6 PM BST Thursday 22nd June. 

    LAVOIE is to launch the Series 1, a high-performance, premium folding electric scooter. The Series 1’s unique patent-pending FlowFold technology unfolds a host of features. It unfolds safety with a longer, wider deck for better stability and smooth automotive-like handling. But the Series 1’s real party trick is unfolding the world the rider calls home. Unfolding a career released from uncomfortable, time-consuming commuting. Unfolding passions, interests, and side-hustles by seamlessly blurring work and play. Unfolding discovery and curiosity as riders explore the rich, layered worlds they call their homes. 

    The first 469 customers will have the opportunity to pre-order an exclusive Founders Edition of LAVOIE’s ground-breaking e-scooter. The limited-run Founders Edition features a unique numbered plaque that has been designed by the famous design and engineering house CALLUM; This limited edition of 469 units pays tribute to the first electric two-wheel vehicle patented in April 1869. Founders Edition owners will get exclusive access to early product releases, updates, and private events.

    The Series 1 comes in two versions defined by their battery size. The standard Series 1 has a capacity of 468Wh and retails at £1,890, while the 702Wh Series 1 Max retails at £2,190. This translates to a range of 40 km/25 miles for the Series 1 and 60 km or 38 miles for the Series 1 MAX per single charge, at an average speed of 20 kph/12 mph in urban environments. The unrestricted top speed of the Series 1 is over 40 kph/25mph, and will be shipped restricted to 25 kph/15mph in relevant regions.

    All models of the Series 1 can be pre-ordered now (Thursday 22nd June) with a fully-refundable deposit of £500 via the LAVOIE website, with confirmed production slots being allocated to customers upon placing an order. The option to pre-order with a full payment deposit and a 5% discount is also available.

    LAVOIE has made safety one of its development priorities. The Series 1 battery is housed in a waterproof hard shell, and designed and certified to meet the most stringent American and European safety standards. It is expected to be one of the safest devices in the industry while delivering world class performance, in line with the brand’s heritage.

    The LAVOIE 250W charger works fast, giving a full battery charge in less than three hours. Series 1 has three power modes, so the rider can choose how their journeys should feel, from powerful to relaxing. Mode 1 is a slower eco option, Mode 2 is for cruising efficiently and comfortably, Mode 3 is for ultimate power and full throttle. Each mode’s power and top speed can be tuned via the LAVOIE App.

    The Series 1’s most defining feature is its FlowfoldTM folding system. A single press of a button collapses the stem and moves the wheel above the deck, offering a disruptive form factor. FlowfoldTM enables a longer, wider deck while allowing the Series 1 to fold into one of the most compact e-scooters of its category. This translates to a much safer and more comfortable ride through a higher stem angle giving automotive-like steering, a freer foot position, and better shock and vibration absorption. FlowfoldTM also makes the kickstand obsolete. An intermediate position, called Park Mode, sets the e-scooter into a perfectly stable, padded, resting position.

    Rider and road safety are inherent to the Series 1’s design ethos and LAVOIE’s approach to redefining micromobility. Series 1’s refined lighting system has been engineered to significantly improve safety. A light halo, presence lights, rear brakes and rider illumination LEDs all highlight the user’s position on the road, while indicators make turning safer. 

    Aligned with LAVOIE’s commitment to improving emobility, and its performance automotive heritage, Ian Callum and his design and engineering house joined the journey to create the Founders Edition’s plaque and the exclusive colour scheme of the Series 1. Four colours are available: Silent White, Racing Green, Electric Blue and Sunset Orange. Each version is illustrated here. 

    The Series 1 and Founders Edition models can be pre-ordered on Thursday 22nd June by visiting https://www.lavoielectric.com/ . 

    *Estimated Real Range Based on a 75kg, 1.75m tall rider in mode 2 in an urban environment

    Eco: 50km(Standard)/70km(Max)  & average speed of 15kph

    Cruise: 40km(Standard)/60km(Max) & average speed of  25kph

    Sport 25km(standard)/35 km(Max) & average speed of 40kph

    Ian Callum, Design Director at CALLUM, said: “Inspired by LAVOIE’s ambition to effect change in micromobility through innovative design, our vibrant colours bring life and movement to the future of transportation. We are pleased to collaborate with a brand at the forefront of advancing personal mobility.” 

    LAVOIE CEO, Eliott Wertheimer, said: “We are proud to launch the Series 1. After years of development and significant innovation, we are confident our e-scooter will lead towards improving micromobility to automotive standards. The trust from our first customers, our Founders, is extremely important to us. The 469 units of the Founders Edition will be produced to thank them through a beautiful, uniquely numbered, vehicle. They will also benefit from early access to our upcoming launches, news and events.” 

    ABOUT LAVOIE

    LAVOIE, founded by McLaren Applied, born of British motorsport, is driven by a desire to redefine urban mobility with high end solutions that help us live better. Series 1, our first premium electric scooter reimagines form factor with unique folding technology. Flowfold™ not only folds to fit into your life, it unfolds a whole lot more. From unfolding safety, portability and comfort, to unfolding your world, your career, your passions. Operating at the intersection between high-end design and superlative performance, LAVOIE  is set to redefine micro-mobility.  www.lavoielectric.com 

    ABOUT CALLUM 

    CALLUM is a design and engineering business creating bespoke and limited-edition products. CALLUM  is focused on design, lifestyle and travel, taking on projects that intrigue, excite and tell a story. It is a  collaboration of talented individuals with experience across art, audio, automotive, fashion and  motorsport brands.  

    Nimble and agile, CALLUM produces exquisite design supported by quality execution, with its 30,000  sq. ft Warwick facility housing the latest technology to deliver design, prototyping, machining and trim services.  

    Amongst its founding members is British designer Ian Callum CBE, admired for his prolific automotive work, which includes the Aston Martin Vanquish, Vantage and DB9, Jaguar F-Type, F-PACE, XJ and, most recently, the World Car of the Year Award-winning I-PACE, amongst others.

  5. CoMoUK publishes Report on Shared E-scooter Trials in England 2023

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    CoMoUK, an organisation and charity promoting the social, economic and environmental benefits of shared transport, has published its report on three years of e-scooter trials in England.

    Download the CoMoUK report on the shared e-scooter trials in England here

    The charity shared, “We come to a number of recommendations, leading with the need for legislation. The trials have clearly proved popular in a sustained way and our work brings new insights into the trials, which have now been running for almost three years.”

    “Our report is here and results from data gathering from operators and dialogue with all stakeholders. We look forward to delving further into the dynamics of shared e-scooters in future work and have written to transport minister to further press the case for legislation to make e-scooters legalisation via creating a new low emission powered light vehicle class.”

    The report covers a wide range of topics and considerations, with trials totalling 2.3 million users and current e-scooter fleet numbers standing at over 24,000. Recommendations are given in the following seven areas: Communication, Infrastructure, Legislation, Stop treating e-scooters as cars, Procurement, Parking and Technology.

    CoMoUK holds a monthly forum for authorities working on or interested in shared e-scooter trials, with the most recent one having just taken place on Monday 15th May. Interested parties may email Antonia@como.org.uk to express their interest in joining.

  6. E-scooter industry recommendations published by micromobility operators

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    Source: Futuretransport-News, T. May

    Micromobility operators including LEVA-EU member Dott, alongside Voi, Lime, Superpedestrian and TIER, have collaborated on publishing industry recommendations to European cities on the best practices for safe and well-managed micromobility services

    To support the increasing uptake of micromobility services in numerous cities, a report outlining best practices has been prepared by five operators, designed to assist cities move from pilot programmes to permanent regulations.

    The report was signed by Henri Moissinac, CEO of LEVA-EU member Dott; Wayne Ting, CEO of Lime; Assaf Biderman, CEO of Superpedestrian; Lawrence Leuschner, CEO of TIER Mobility; and Fredrik Hjelm, CEO of Voi.

    It highlights several common features of well-managed micromobility programmes, with regard to both administration and operations.

    Number of Operators

    A balance should be sought between avoiding oversaturation, while maintaining customer choice and healthy competition. The suggested guideline is that markets deploying over 1,000 e-scooters have a minimum of two and maximum of three operators.

    Fleet Size

    Manageability of fleet size and maintaining tidiness is key; an initial fleet should comprise 80-120 vehicles per square kilometre.

    Programme Length

    A programme should run for sufficient time to allow users to rely on vehicle availability, and for the set-up and evaluation of the services. The report recommends a minimum of two years for pilot schemes, and three-four years for permanent programmes.

    Contracts of this length could encourage operators to make longer-term investments in the cities.

    Operator Fees

    The fees to cover the costs of programme administration and public space occupancy should be consistent with those paid by similar modes, such as bike shares.

    If required, this should be a fixed annual fee per e-vehicle which is set prior to vendor selection and applies consistently across all operators.

    The operators claim that this would avoid negative outcomes such as overpromising on financial commitments or winning bids and then withdrawing due to unsustainable fees.

    They also ask that the fees recognise that e-scooter schemes are typically not subsidised.

    Data Sharing

    The five operators emphasise the value of uniform and automated data sharing through GBFS (General Bikeshare Feed Specification) and MDS (Mobility Data Specification) protocols.

    This allows for the consistent submission of data while protecting rider privacy.

    The use of these protocols enables operators to spend more time working with cities to provide useful data rather than having to build bespoke data provision.

    Selection Process

    The operators state that tenders are generally the best approach for identifying suitable micromobility operators in each city.

    License structures and free markets are less desirable, as they encourage oversaturation and poorly managed fleets.

    The report emphasises that operators should also never be selected based on financial contribution, as this can lead to an inability to deliver quality services when the business is not economically sustainable.

    Instead, tenders should prioritise reliability, safety, sustainability and fleet management.

    In addition, the operators ask that cities avoid issuing tenders that specify technology or operational practices, especially those that are just emerging, as this can limit innovation.

    In comparison, outcome-based and technology-neutral requirements encourage operators to use their experience and creativity to mitigate behaviours such as sidewalk riding, tandem riding and irresponsible parking. This approach encourages innovation based on local conditions and will allow new practices to develop.

    Operating Area

    The designated operating area for micromobility vehicles should optimise access to key destinations throughout the city.

    Generally, operating within the entire city boundary is preferable to connect residents with all destinations. Where this is not feasible, the report suggests a focus on important centres such as cultural hubs, businesses and recreational facilities.

    Parking

    The report highlights the importance of providing sufficient parking close to where riders start and end their trips.

    In dense urban areas, this could include mandatory parking in dedicated, physical parking spots. A minimum of 40 parking bays should be provided per square kilometre and each scooter should have a minimum of three parking spots.

    Alternatively, cities can use stationless parking in less dense areas, or where infrastructure is not available. This provision should be accompanied by clear rules about safe parking and the inclusion of no parking zones.

    The report suggests that a hybrid system combining the two approaches is a practical way for cities to experiment with these options.

    Speed

    The report recommends a maximum speed limit of between 20–25 kilometres per hour to ensure rider safety, and consistency with other vehicles such as e-bikes, allowing for safe riding that aligns with the pace of urban traffic.

    The report argues that a cap below 20 kilometres per hour increases risks by restricting riders to a speed that is significantly lower than other road users, and possibly encourage riders to ride on sidewalks if restricted to a low speed.

    Helmets

    The report suggests that helmets should be encouraged but not be required, as this would discourage the uptake of micromobility, increase social inequalities and create disproportionate enforcement costs.

  7. Paris set to vote on the future of e-scooters

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    Source: Forbes, C. O’Brien

    After 4 years of electric scooter-sharing services in France’s capital city, the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has confirmed a vote to determine if the micromobility option will be banned in the city.

    The referendum in April has been announced following a lengthy review by city officials, with the mayor herself in favour of the ban. What are the key issues facing the use of e-scooters in Paris?

    • National laws are vague in terms of regulation.
    • Residents feel that riders are reckless.
    • Excessive riding on sidewalks and in pedestrianised areas.
    • Poor parking and the free-floating nature of the service have created an eyesore.
    • Antisocial use of the devices, particularly by tourists.

    It should be noted that steps have been taken to address some of these concerns, such as limiting speeds and releasing a clear code of conduct, but the e-scooters remain extremely divisive.

    With 12 active bike and e-scooter sharing services in the city, Paris is one of the largest markets for micromobility services. The results of this referendum will therefore be watched closely by industry and consumers alike; the conclusion may well inform future decisions in comparable locations.

  8. Lavoie: McLaren Applied’s new micromobility company redefining urban mobility through motorsport and luxury automotive engineering

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    LEVA-EU member LAVOIE, a subsidiary of McLaren Applied, introduces the Series 1 electric scooter – created using supercar and cutting-edge global racing engineering excellence.

    McLaren Applied’s LAVOIE is committed to improving personal mobility. Using its heritage in premium automotive, combined with strong pedigrees in engineering and science, LAVOIE re-imagines products you can trust will improve personal transportation and add enjoyment to every journey.

    Operating at the intersection between high-end design and superlative performance, LAVOIE is set to redefine urban mobility and become a major global player in the premium e-mobility market.

    As the urban environment increasingly densifies, cars and mass transport are becoming irrelevant as a means of mobility for those who want to travel quickly, cleanly, and efficiently. The era of electrified micro-mobility is dawning, yet consumers seeking mobility solutions that make them feel good, as well as offer optimum performance, design, and build quality, are bereft of choice. Until LAVOIE

    The Lavoie Series 1: as functional as it is beautiful

    The Series 1 is an e-scooter, but like none ever seen before, thanks to LAVOIE’s user-centric design strategy. Its speed, supercar-standard quality, robustness, stability, safety, and range are designed to make public transport an irrelevance to owners.

    Perhaps its most defining and iconic feature is LAVOIE’s patented one-touch FlowfoldTM system. Designed with rider convenience at the forefront and inspired by the suspension system found on racing machines at the pinnacle of motorsport, a single press of a button folds the front and rear wheel hinges and collapses the stem, achieving the greatest possible reduction in size while maintaining a large and stable deck for when in use.

    Complementing the Flowfold system’s amazing foldability is the fact that the Series 1 is made of automotive-standard magnesium, ensuring a total weight of just 16.5kg. Carrying it into offices, meetings, and homes is simple and easy, eliminating concerns of theft and adding convenience to every journey.

    A two-hour charge on a domestic three-pin plug offers up to 31 miles of range. The Series 1 rolls on large and wide tyres developed to absorb and withstand potholes and bumps.

    As important to LAVOIE as state-of-the-art design and intuitive usability is rider safety. LAVOIE’s ground-breaking lighting system uses rear lights to illuminate the rider, bathing them in a pool of light to ensure they are easily seen by other traffic and pedestrians. The stylish front lighting system illuminates the road ahead, while floodlights on the side of the deck magnify the real estate of the e-scooter on the road and make it more visible for other vehicles. The Series 1 also features indicators which are activated from the ergonomically designed handlebars.

    Via a bespoke app riders can track the precise location of their Series 1, as well as activate a loud deterrent alarm. The app also enables integrated turn by turn navigation, as well as in-depth stats and ride customisation. The Series 1’s connectivity stretches beyond theft security and riding performance – the app remotely informs the LAVOIE support team of any electronic faults or issues and will notify the owner immediately, activating the necessary steps to resolve the issue.

    LAVOIE’s Series 1 is by any standards an amazing-looking piece of engineering with outstanding performance to match.

    LAVOIE co-founder Eliott Wertheimer said: “We wanted to make a vehicle that’s reliable, faultlessly functional, powerful, stylish, full of state-of-the-art technology – and built the way you would a car or a motorcycle. We knew we could do this by combining our own expertise and experience with a company that operates at the highest level in the fields of automotive, motorsport and electronics.”

  9. Speed limit reduction for escooters in Ljubljana

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    In an agreement between Ljubljana city council and micromobility operator Bolt, escooters in the city’s pedestrian zone will be automatically limited to a speed of 5 km/h.

    Source: Slovenia Posts English, TheMayor.EU

    With a pedestrian zone covering more than ten hectares, Ljubljana will take advantage of the smart capability of escooters whereby the speed limit of a unit can be automatically changed upon entering the zone. The limit of 5 km/h is in line with the average pedestrian walking speed, and it is thought that this may be the lowest such speed limit for escooters, with Rome’s 6 km/h close behind.

    The city welcomes green and modern solutions to congested urban living, but the mayor of Ljubljana Zoran Janković emphasised the importance of such solutions operating in harmony with all residents, saying, “No one has the right to put pedestrians in danger in order to make more money”.

    Service operator Bolt has expressed their satisfaction with the agreement, and it is indicated that they will enact one year period of free parking zones, to enable the safe and easy placement of scooters after use.

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