Tag Archive: electric scooters

  1. Dott completes refurbishment of 10,000 e-scooters

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    Dott, the responsible micromobility operator, today announces the complete refurbishment of 10,000 of its shared e-scooters. The achievement will double the expected lifespan of those vehicles to seven years, cutting carbon emissions per kilometre by nearly 50%.

    The milestone coincides with the publication of Dott’s latest sustainability report, covering 2022 initiatives. Dott continued to drive down its CO2 emissions in 2022, reaching a total 63% reduction in CO2 emissions per kilometre since 2020.1

    Reducing our impact:

    The refurbishment project removes the need to purchase new vehicles, which has the biggest impact on Dott’s overall carbon footprint. Taking place in Lyon, France and Warsaw, Poland, the scooters are completely dismantled by a dedicated team of specialists, sorted into parts for either recycling, repairing or reusing and then fully renovated and painted. The 10,000 refurbished e-scooters are now supporting trips in Dott cities across Europe.

    Dott also advanced its recycling rate across its operations throughout 2022, sending 90% of all waste to be recycled, compared to 80% in 2021. The figure meets Dott’s 2025 target ahead of time, leading to a renewed, ambitious target of 95% of all waste being recycled in 2023.

    Supporting our teams:

    The launch of Dott’s ‘Ride Your Future’ programme in 2022 provides training to operations and ground teams across software tools, communication, management and organisation skills. Classes take place during paid, working hours, and in 2022 a total of 40 people have been able to develop new skills to further their careers.

    Tackling pollution in cities:

    Dott’s most mature cities now operate under 30 g CO2 per km, a figure which is equivalent to public transport,2 and close to reaching an overall target of 20 grams of CO2 per km ridden by 2025.

    Maxim Romain, Co-Founder and COO, Dott, said: “In 2022 we progressed towards mass adoption of our service, doubling the number of rides whilst continuing to drive down our carbon emissions. We have demonstrated our commitment to sustainability with a major refurbishment programme, fully rebuilding 10,000 e-scooters so far to double their lifespan, eliminating the need to manufacture more vehicles. By focusing on responsible operations we aim to keep generating a positive impact for our teams and the people living in the cities where we operate.”

    The environment and social impact are at the heart of every business decision at Dott. The micromobility company has set out its goals and progress at ridedott.com/sustainability.

  2. Fluctuo reveals latest shared mobility data

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    Source: Fluctuo

    The Q2 Shared Mobility Index reveals that Europe’s shared mobility market continues to grow in terms of fleet size, with ridership remaining stable.

    Fluctuo’s latest report for Q2 2023 examines the data for shared mobility in 33 European cities, across five vehicle types: station-based bikes, dockless bikes, scooters, mopeds and cars. The report can be viewed in full here.

    General trends

    Compared to 2022, the overall shared mobility sector has increased by 7% year-on-year, though ridership saw a slight decrease of -1%.

    A notable trend is a decrease in the number of shared service operators, which is an effect of cities increasingly putting out tenders to limit the numbers of operators in a city. Where a city might once have had five operators deploying scooters, there might now only be two. The number of vehicles available has continued to grow, and cities are finding that fewer operators with more vehicles each can provide a better service.

    Scooters have the largest share of ridership at 42%, though have seen a reduction in growth year-on-year. This dip can be attributed to several factors, including market saturation in some under-regulated markets, and the introduction of stricter regulations in other markets.

    Bikes have seen strong growth, and this is expected to continue. Notable data from individual cities include operators in Paris adding to their bike fleets ahead of the city’s ban on e-scooters which came into force in September; a fresh dockless-bike system in Marseilles operated by Inurba seeing ridership grow by 429%; and Madrid’s BiciMAD bike system remaining popular, thanks to its free-to-use status to the end of 2023.

    A global overview

    Europe continues to be a global leader in shared mobility usage. The North American Bike and Scooter Share Association (NABSA) 2022 report allows direct comparison, demonstrating that Europe’s shared mobility sector leads in terms of fleet size, total trips, trips per vehicle per day (TVD) an per-capita usage. In short, Europe’s shared mobility fleet is used more frequently, and on an individual level, Europeans are taking nearly double the number of trips than North Americans do.

  3. Swifty Scooters awarded grant funding for new electric scooter

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    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.

  4. My-eScooter launches battery regeneration service for sustainable mobility in Belgium

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    My-eScooter, the Nivelles-based company specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of innovative electric scooters, announces the launch of its brand-new battery regeneration service in Belgium.

    This technological advance marks an important step in the field of sustainable mobility. It demonstrates My-eScooter’s commitment to promoting an efficient transition towards even more environmentally friendly transport solutions.

    Battery life and performance

    My-eScooter is not in the business of shared scooters, but in that of electric mobility serving individuals wishing to buy a scooter for regular use, and businesses.

    “We are aware of the challenges and criticisms faced by electric bikes and scooters. Particularly when it comes to battery life and performance. In addition to the limited number of charge cycles of a battery, we find that the majority of users do not charge their scooter during the winter. As a result, the battery is completely discharged, or even damaged when we want to use it again,” explains Sanjeev D’Souza*, founder of the My-eScooter brand.

    Regenerate up to 80% of initial capacity

    Since its launch in 2017, My-eScooter has always innovated based on the reality on the ground for Belgian users. The replaceable batteries on some of its models are proof of this. My-eScooter is determined to maximize their use while minimizing their environmental impact. The battery regeneration service allows used batteries to be restored by recovering up to 80% of their initial capacity. Bye bye new battery, hello extended lifespan!

    The advantages of battery regeneration:

    • Decreased demand for raw materials
    • Reduced costs associated with battery replacement
    • Contribution to the reduction of electronic waste
    • Recovery of up to 80% of initial capacity
    • 30 to 40% more economical than buying a new battery
    • The battery of your scooter does not leave Europe

    My-eScooter after-sales service is carried out in Belgium. My-eScooter’s battery regeneration service uses cutting-edge technologies to evaluate, restore and test batteries. The service is carried out in Europe to guarantee optimal performance and reduce CO2 emissions.

    Longer-lasting batteries, a cleaner future

    By launching this new battery regeneration service, My-eScooter reaffirms its commitment to sustainable mobility. Companies, their employees, and private users can now benefit from an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to extend the life of their electric scooters.

    “Our new battery regeneration service represents a major step forward for our brand and reinforces our initial commitment. We are ready to offer this service for other brands and other types of solutions linked to sustainable mobility such as electric bicycles or forklifts for example,” says Sanjeev D’Souza, founder of the My-eScooter brand.

  5. Paris ban on rental e-scooters comes into force

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    Source: 42Mag, S. Bornstein

    French capital becomes the first to place a ban on ‘floating’ e-scooters for rental from city streets, following an earlier public vote.

    The ban came into force on September 1st, based on the results of a public consultation in April, in which 89% of voters spoke in favour of the ban. However, the consultation only saw a 7.4% turnout, leading rental e-scooter operators to urge the city’s Mayor, Anne Hidalgo, to seek compromise.

    A spokesperson for e-scooter operator Lime said, “We remain hopeful that we can continue to work with Mayor Hidalgo to pass sensible regulations instead of a ban on e-scooters, and avoid a setback for Paris.”

    Some voters have voiced a preference for stricter regulations, rather than a blanket ban: “I don’t want scooters to do whatever they want on the sidewalks, but banning them is not the priority,” said Pierre Waeckerle, 35.

    Prior to the ban, Paris had a fleet of 15,000 e-scooters, and figures showed that 400,000 people travelled on them in the city in 2022. Complaints about pedestrians being jostled, haphazard parking and other annoyances had prompted the public consultation in April; French Transport Minister Clément Beaune, a possible candidate for mayor in 2026, said the vote was a huge democratic failure.

    Following introduction of e-scooters to Paris in 2018, three operators had been active in the city since 2020 on a three-year contract, under which certain restrictions were in place, including 20km/hour speed limits and designated scooter parking areas.

    The ban relates only to rental e-scooters; privately owned scooters are not affected.

    The head of the road safety agency Securite Routiere, Florence Guillaume, strongly encouraged scooter users to wear helmets, which have been made compulsory in some European cities.

  6. Swobbee realizes first project in south-eastern Europe

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    GreenTech startup from Berlin, LEVA-EU member Swobbee, puts out feelers in the direction of Southeastern Europe for the first time. Its cooperation with a local vehicle service provider is beginning to bear fruit.

    In the future, Swobbee will work with the Greek fleet service provider Evedima to charge and operate micromobility vehicles more sustainably in various cities in Greece. The first Swobbee station has already been set up, with more to follow in the coming weeks.

    Evedima specializes in providing services and infrastructure for urban mobility and transport services. In Greece, the company is responsible, among other things, for operating the Finnish e-kick scooter sharing company, Hopp.

    For part of the first collaboration project by Evedima and Swobbee, a battery changing station was set up in Vouliagmeni near Athens, where exchangeable batteries for Hopp’s electric scooters can be charged and changed quickly and easily. This saves the company from complex loading logistics with warehouses on the outskirts of the region, improving cost efficiency and environmental balance of sharing vehicles.
    “We are very pleased to be strengthening sustainable mobility in Greek cities together with such a strong partner as Evedima. This is Swobbee’s first project in South East Europe and we hope to expand our presence in the region in the future,” said Thomas Duscha, CEO and co-founder of Swobbee.

    More Swobbee stations are to be set up in the coming weeks, including the Greek capital of Athens.

  7. 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.

  8. McKinsey Mobility Consumer Pulse Survey charts rise in shared urban mobility

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    Source: McKinsey & Company

    Understanding consumer needs is the key to long-term success for those operating in the shared mobility sector

    Shared mobility can resolve many challenges of the urban mobility ecosystem and is an exciting opportunity for companies in the three main shared mobility sectors – hailed mobility, shared micromobility (to include e-kickscooters, traditional or e-bicycles, and traditional or electric mopeds), and car sharing . Shared mobility is on the rise, with an estimated current market value of $10 billion to $15 billion, compared to market values of $110 billion to $130 billion for hailed mobility and $4 billion to $5 billion for car sharing. Understanding the consumers’ preferences will only further increase the market revenues.

    Consumer Survey

    The McKinsey Mobility Consumer Pulse Survey asked worldwide mobility users’ views on the future of mobility, with a focus on shared mobility. A move away from a car-centric means of transportation was a repeated wish among all demographics, with shared and more sustainable mobility and a reduction in private vehicle usage high on the agenda.

    Over a quarter of urban dwellers who responded to the survey mentioned replacing their private vehicles with other transport means in the future, although fewer than 15% of rural respondents suggested the same. The survey concluded that sustainability, travel efficiency, and improved inner-city livelihoods were central to perspective change in mobility choice, more than incurred costs.

    Mobility modes with the largest influence

    McKinsey suggests that three main transport modes will alter the current trend; shared autonomous shuttles; micromobility solutions, such as e-kickscooters, (e)mopeds, and (e)bicycles; and minimobility alternatives. Minimobility references L6 and L7 electric vehicles with three or four wheels, an unladen mass of over 100 kg, and capacity for one to two passengers.

    The mobility survey also found that over 60% would consider a shared, autonomous shuttle service in the future, while 42% suggested that it could replace their private car trips. This could dramatically reduce the number of vehicles on the road, aiding in pollution directives, parking, and road safety. City center–airport connections (26%), supermarket runs (26%), and commutes (24%) were the most common responses from respondents regarding shuttle services.

    Micromobility endeavours are seen as convenient and a genuinely sustainable alternative. The McKinsey survey reported that a third of respondents aimed to use micromobility more often. 37 percent of urban respondents mentioned that an improved micromobility infrastructure would help them make their first step, with 33% agreeing it could replace up to 50% of their car trips. In addition, 60% of respondents showed an interest in owning their own kickscooter, only requiring the need for shared mobility on occasion in the future.

    Minimobility also generated considerable interest in the survey. 27% of the urban respondents suggested the introduction of microcars to their collection within the next 10 years, 50% of whom could see one replacing their private cars in the long term. The usage for microcars bore similarities to micromobility results; grocery shopping (48%), leisure activities (47%), and commuting (35%). Although 20% of those surveyed would consider sharing a minimobility vehicle, most had a preference for acquiring their own.

    Public transport will continue to play a key role in urban mobility, although three reoccurring themes need addressing; people want integrated user experiences, safe and accessible infrastructure, and continued electrification. Understanding these dynamics is key to future success.

  9. Riders of electric scooters in Japan will not need driver’s license from July

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    Source: The Japan Times

    Japan is set to relax regulations on electric scooters starting in July, allowing individuals aged 16 and above to ride them without a driver’s license

    This move has been met with enthusiasm by electric-scooter sharing companies and others who anticipate enhanced convenience as a result. However, there are concerns about an influx of riders who may not be familiar with traffic regulations typically learned at driving schools.

    Electric kick scooters are equipped with motors that propel them forward without requiring users to continually push against the ground. These vehicles gained popularity in Japan around 2021, primarily among individuals in their 20s and 30s, many of whom use them for commuting purposes.

    Generally, these scooters are expected to be ridden on roadways. However, users are allowed to ride them on sidewalks where bicycles are permitted, as long as they maintain a speed no greater then 6 kph and display a flashing green light.

    Daiki Okai, the 29-year-old president of Luup, a Tokyo-based electric scooter sharing service operator, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming changes, stating, “We’ll have a big opportunity… The user base will expand.”

    Luup currently leases electric kick scooters from approximately 3,000 locations primarily in major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. The company aims to increase this number to around 10,000 by 2025.

    The Japanese government also holds high expectations for electric scooters, recognising their ability to meet diverse needs, including those of tourists seeking rental options. A representative from the industry ministry, responsible for promoting the widespread use of these vehicles, expressed support for this development.

    However, some individuals have voiced concerns regarding the revision of traffic rules. A collective of local residents’ and shopkeepers’ associations in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district highlighted the instances of rule violations by scooter riders on sidewalks and pedestrian zones even before the regulatory changes. Yoshikuni Matsuzawa, the head of the group’s environment and safety division, stressed concerns about potential accidents involving pedestrians, as the absence of a license requirement might result in insufficient rider preparation.

    In September of last year, a man tragically lost his life in Tokyo after falling from an electric scooter. It is believed that he was under the influence of alcohol while operating the vehicle. In response, electric scooter companies are intensifying their efforts to prevent dangerous driving incidents. For example, Luup suspends users’ accounts if they are found to have ridden while under the influence of alcohol. Similarly, BRJ, a company operating an electric scooter sharing service primarily in Tachikawa, Tokyo, ceases vehicle rentals at midnight to discourage drunken driving.

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