Category: #escooters

ZEUS Applauds New Law to Legalise E-scooter use in Ireland

ZEUS, a leading Irish mobility company, welcomes the recent signing of the Irish Road Traffic and Roads Bill by President Higgins. The legislation, set to be enacted in the coming months, represents a significant milestone towards promoting sustainable transportation options in Ireland. 

The introduction of this law signifies the recognition by the Irish government of the importance of embracing innovative and eco-friendly mobility solutions. ZEUS is excited to contribute to the development of sustainable transport schemes in collaboration with cities and towns across Ireland. 

“We commend the Irish government for taking this long-awaited and forward-thinking step in legalising electric scooter use,” said Damian Young, CEO of ZEUS. “We are eager to partner with towns and cities in Ireland to build efficient and eco-friendly transportation networks that enhance connectivity and offer residents and visitors a convenient and sustainable way to move around”. 

The Carlow-headquartered company has a proven track record in providing shared electric scooter services that prioritise safety, accessibility and environmental sustainability. As Ireland’s only homegrown scooter company with extensive experience in numerous cities worldwide, the company is well-prepared to adapt its successful model to the Irish market. 

“ZEUS’ mission has always been to transform urban mobility and make cities more liveable,” added Damian Young. “We believe that electric scooters can play a crucial role in achieving these goals, and we are excited to be part of Ireland’s journey towards a greener and more connected future”. 

ZEUS’ unique three-wheeled e-scooter has many advantages over conventional two-wheel models. The three-wheel innovation is more appealing to a wider range of users, including a broader demographic in age and gender and those with disabilities, while helping prevent misuse and minimise dangerous driving. 

As ZEUS looks ahead to the implementation of the new law, the company is committed to working closely with local authorities, community stakeholders and city planners to ensure responsible and well-integrated operations. The company’s objective is to contribute to reducing congestion, improving air quality and enhancing the overall quality of life for people in Ireland. 

ZEUS is actively preparing for the launch of its electric scooter sharing service in Ireland, with plans to deploy a fleet of reliable, high-quality scooters that adhere to the highest safety standards. The company is committed to fostering a culture of responsible riding and has implemented various measures, including rider education initiatives and innovative safety features, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all users. 

Payzone to sponsor Bleeper bikes across Dublin

Payzone, Ireland’s largest consumer payments network, has today announced a new sponsorship agreement with Bleeper, Ireland’s first dockless bike-sharing service. The agreement will see Payzone sponsor 800 of Bleeper’s public bikes operated in Dublin City, Fingal, and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils.

Today’s announcement comes ahead of further moves planned by Payzone to expand its current range of services within its popular Parking application. Payzone has brought various innovations to motorists over the years and the application is ideally placed to implement a broad range of future value-added features. This will include a range of services which will make it easier for the travelling public to go about their daily lives, using one single application, regardless of how they commute, whether by Car, Bus, Rail, Taxi, Bike, Scooter or on Foot. This will also become instrumental in promoting sustainability.

Bleeper provides smart solutions for everyday transport offering a sustainable alternative to individuals commuting around the capital. Bleeper is on a mission to fight climate change, one journey at a time. In 2022 Bleeper users avoided emitting approximately 59,199kg of CO2 by choosing to cycle for their everyday trips.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Jim Deignan, CEO, Payzone Ireland said, “Bike sharing has grown in popularity across Europe in recent years and Bleeper is a very successful cycle hire scheme operating here in Dublin. We have plans to expand the Payzone parking application to offer our customers a range of additional mobility-related services, with sustainable transport being at the forefront of these plans.

“We’re delighted to partner with Bleeper to promote alternative modes of transport. We feel the partnership aligns with our future vision for Payzone and demonstrates our commitment to sustainable transport and supports the Government’s stated ambition of active travel.”

Bleeper offers a range of sustainable travel solutions from its shared public bikes and shared private bikes to its newly launched LeaseBike subscription service. The Payzone brand will be displayed on both sides of the middle ad board of the Bleeper public bike for the duration of the 12-month sponsorship.

Hugh Cooney, founder of Bleeper said, “Making it easier to access bike sharing schemes like Bleeper can only help with growing the number of people cycling. We are excited to be partnering with Payzone and to be the first mobility service available in the Payzone app. Dublin is an ideal city to get around by bike and this partnership is another step towards making it a little easier to do that.”

In addition to the sponsorship, Bleeper bikes will be discoverable on the Payzone App from the beginning of July, making it easier for individuals to find a Bleeper bike near them.

Payzone and Bleeper are actively involved with Mobility Partnership Ireland, a private sector coalition with the vision for Ireland to develop as a European and global leader in sustainable mobility. Representing car sharing, bus travel, ride-hailing, e-cargo and bike-sharing modes of transport, their shared aim is to place the needs of transport users at the heart of transport policy, enable innovation, promote public health and support climate action.

ZEUS Pioneers Solar-Powered Wireless E-scooter Charging

ZEUS, the leading Irish micromobility provider, is launching a new pilot project: solar powered wireless e-scooter charging. This project aims to showcase the immense potential of sustainable micromobility and drive the adoption of eco-friendly transportation solutions. 

As part of this pioneering initiative, ZEUS scooters will be able to charge automatically at three Zolar solar charging stations. Strategically located at transfer points for multimodal travel. The selection process was guided by a comprehensive study conducted by the city in 2021, which revealed that individuals are more inclined to utilize e-scooters frequently if they are sustainable and readily available. 

With almost three years of active presence in Regensburg, ZEUS has seamlessly integrated into the city’s transport ecosystem, becoming a highly valued provider of micromobility solutions. This partnership further solidifies ZEUS’ commitment to enhancing sustainable transportation options and contributing to the overall well-being of the community. 

Damian Young, ZEUS CEO, said “The Zolar stations are a game-changer for the way e-scooters are charged. At ZEUS, we are committed to revolutionizing urban transportation and promoting sustainable micromobility solutions. 

“This project not only showcases the potential of clean energy”, he continued, “but also demonstrates our dedication to providing innovative, eco-friendly options for urban commuters. We are paving the way towards a greener and more sustainable future.” 

In addition to the solar charging infrastructure, ZEUS will introduce its latest generation of e-scooters, the Z2, to the streets of Regensburg. Packed with innovative features, the Z2 offers a superior riding experience, including pneumatic tires for smooth navigation on cobblestones, indicating turn signals for enhanced safety, a larger battery for extended range and a convenient smartphone holder. These advancements exemplify ZEUS’ dedication to continuously improving the quality and functionality of their micromobility offerings. 

Bolt launches shared electric bike service in Wexford during #BikeWeek

The mobility platform Bolt, in partnership with Wexford County Council, has launched its shared electric bike service in Wexford today. The launch is especially timely since Bike Week is taking place across the country May 13th-21st. Bike Week is a celebration and promotion of the benefits of cycling from the National Transport Authority.

As part of the launch and Bike Week, Bolt is offering each customer a free ride of up to 30 minutes*. The offer can be redeemed by inputting ‘BIKEWEEK’ into the ‘Promotions’ tab of the Bolt app from midnight 13th May – 23:59 21st May 2023. This gesture is intended not only to allow Wexford residents to become familiar with the service but also to encourage them to consider whether they could swap their private car for a combination of shared and public transport. This supports Bolt’s mission of helping to make cities for people, not cars.

Bolt has no unlock fee, and customers pay only for the minutes they’ve used, at €0.18 per minute.

Parking will be controlled via geofencing and will be located at 40+ clearly marked, convenient locations across town, including ALDI stores, Wexford General Hospital and Wexford Park GAA Stadium. Additional locations can be introduced, subject to popularity, feedback from the council and local users, or nominations from local businesses. Operations will be overseen by a local bike shop which ensures local knowledge and expertise.

The inclusion of the pick-up and drop-off locations within the app will ensure users can see where bikes are located and where they can safely and responsibly finish their journey. Other local community groups and businesses such as WWETB, YouthTrain and Waters Technologies Ireland Ltd., have supported the roll out of this scheme and provided space to ensure their users and visitors can choose this sustainable option.

Service features

The firm is taking several steps to ensure riders and pedestrians stay safe. For those not yet familiar with bicycles with pedal assisted motors, there is ‘Beginner Mode’. This limits the top speed of the bicycle to 15 km/h. Once ‘Beginner Mode’ is turned off, the bicycles have a maximum speed of 25 km/h.

Another way in which Bolt is allowing citizens time to get acquainted with the new service is the gradual roll-out of the bikes. 50 will be initially deployed. The size of the fleet will fluctuate depending on demand to ensure that the roll-out happens in a gradual and sustainable way across Wexford.

Bolt already operates a successful shared bike service in Sligo and Kilkenny. Since launching in the summer of 2022, over 170,000 km have been travelled on Bolt’s electric bikes. A survey amongst users revealed this means the service has saved 24,000 km of car trips in Ireland to date, equating to approximately 2,500 kg of CO2.

Bolt Operations Manager for Rentals in Ireland, John Buckley, said: “I’m excited to launch our electric bike rental in Wexford, and what great timing in the midst of Bike Week. 

“Recent research carried out by Bolt revealed that only one-quarter of Irish drivers are likely to give up their car in the next five years*. We’re confident that providing shared transport solutions will help to convince more people to ditch the car and choose a more enjoyable and sustainable way to travel.”

Wexford County Council Cycling & Walking Officer Claire Goodwin  said, “Wexford County Council is delighted to offer local residents and visitors a sustainable transport option in the town. We see a real enthusiasm for making the change away from private car use if there is a convenient alternative. With the introduction of Bolt’s eBikes on a pilot basis into our town, we hope many people will change how they travel where possible.”

Zipp Mobility Expands UK Footprint Following Acquisition by ZEUS

Zipp Mobility – recently acquired by ZEUS, Ireland’s largest micromobility company, today announced that it is expanding its UK footprint with an e-scooter trial in Barnstaple, Devon. Zipp is partnering with North Devon County Council and the new e-scooter trial will go live on Wednesday 17 May, with a launch event and training session in Barnstaple.

Zipp Mobility, headquartered at NovaUCD in Dublin, already operates in five markets across the UK, which makes the company one of the largest and most experienced e-scooter operators in the country. 

This is the first of several upcoming launches by the company following its acquisition by ZEUS.

At the core of the Barnstaple trial is safety, both for the e-scooter riders themselves and other road users and pedestrians. Zipp Mobility has already led several informal discussions with local councillors and other stakeholders, in particular representatives of disability organisations, to understand their concerns and address these in the design of the trial.

Damian Young, CEO, ZEUS said, “We’re thrilled to bring our range of top-quality e-scooters to even more people in the UK following ZEUS’ acquisition of Zipp Mobility. This expansion is a testament to our commitment to providing reliable, eco-friendly transportation options that improve people’s lives. We can’t wait to see the positive impact that our e-scooters will have on the local community in Barnstaple, and we’re excited to be a bigger part of the UK’s transition towards more sustainable mobility solutions.”

Charlie Gleeson, founder and Chief Executive, Zipp Mobility said, “Our emphasis will be on safety both for e-scooter users and the general public. We really hope that people will see the advantage of getting around town in a cleaner, greener way while being aware of and considerate to other road users and pedestrians. I believe this climate-conscious, community-spirited attitude will be the key to the trial’s success.”

In order to ride an e-scooter, a user must be at least 16 years old and hold at least a provisional driving license. The Zipp e-scooters will be using geofencing technology to prevent riders from going into wholly pedestrian areas or onto major roads. The maximum speed limit is 15.5 mph.

The UK Department for Transport has made e-scooters legal to use on road, cycle lanes and cycle paths only. Zipp e-scooters will operate 24 hours, seven days a week. It will cost £1 to unlock the e-scooter and 20 pence per minute thereafter.

The Bolt electric scooter guide: the go-to overview of micromobility in Ireland

The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 is set to go before the cabinet before being signed into law in the coming weeks, paving the way for the use of shared electric scooter schemes in Irish towns and cities while also setting rules for private electric scooter users.
 
Bolt, the European mobility champion currently operating in 500 cities across 45 countries, has compiled an electric scooter Q&A guide focusing on the current legislative situation in Ireland

The purpose of this guide is to give clarity about the current legalities of electric scooters and when regulations might change.

There are currently no regulations surrounding the use of e-scooters on Irish roads by the public and the Gardaí have the power to confiscate and issue fines for their use. There are presently retailers stocking private electric scooters in stores and online for use on private properties, but not permitted for use on public roads or spaces.

What is the current status of Electric Scooters?

  • Presently, e-scooters are classified as MPVs (Mechanically Propelled Vehicles) thus requiring tax, a licence and insurance, if being used on a public road. Given there is no licensing or tax regime for this category of micro transport, their use on public roads is effectively illegal.

  • In general, Gardai have not been actively enforcing these requirements on electric scooter users in cities, however, they are still liable to be fined if stopped.

 

When will this change?

  • The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 is a broad piece of legislation that allows for the Minister to introduce regulations to govern the lawful use on public roads of Powered Personal Transports (PPTs) which includes scooters, hoverboards, and future innovations.

  • The Bill was last debated in the Seanad on the 1st of February at Committee Stage. As a result of issues arising on that date regarding data protection for detection cameras on Bus Corridors, the Bill is awaiting further proposed amendments, before which will be proposed in the Seanad at Report stage. It will then be quickly referred back to the Dail for final stage, after which it will be signed into law. It is hoped this will have taken place by May 2023.

  • After the primary legislation has been enacted, the Minister will have the power to sign secondary legislation/regulations to govern the use of e-scooters. These regulations are likely to be completed in the coming months, however, prior to being signed into law, they will first need to undergo under further scrutiny by the EU for 3 months as part of the Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS).

  • The use of private electric scooters should be legal by late Summer or early Autumn.

  • At this time, local councils nationwide are also likely to begin completing Bye-laws and issuing tenders to operate shared e-scooters schemes in their jurisdictions.

  • With various electric bike schemes already in existence throughout the country, there is a high probability that we could see electric scooter schemes integrated alongside these existing schemes.

  • It is not expected that we will see shared e-scooter schemes in Dublin or other regional cities until early-2024.

 

What are the key milestones dates?

  • February 1st 2023 – The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 was debated in the Seanad

  • The Bill is currently scheduled to be debated in the Seanad in mid to late April when it is likely to pass Report and final stage.

  • Likely May 2023- The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 will be officially signed into law

  • The Minister for Transport’s draft Regulations will be sent to the European Commission for scrutiny under the TRIS procedure – The EU TRIS procedure aims to prevent creating barriers in the internal market before they materialise. Member States notify the European Commission of any legislation which may restrict certain products, so that it can be scrutinised in light of EU legislation to ensure it does not result in any unfair or anti-cpmpetitive restrictions. Member States participate on equal footing with the Commission in this procedure and they can also issue their opinions on the notified drafts.

  • Autumn 2023 – E-scooters will become legal to operate in Ireland for the first time and council tenders are likely to be issued.

  • It is likely that we will see shared electric scooter schemes being deployed in early-2024.

 

When and where could we see shared schemes come in first?

  • There is a keen interest in introducing shared e-scooter schemes into the larger towns and cities across Ireland. However, their introduction may vary due to a number of factors.

  • For example, how quickly Dublin will see shared e-scooters will depend on whether Dublin Councils work together or whether separate tenders will be launched for each of the 4 Dublin Councils.

 

We expect there will be a sense of urgency for a swift introduction of schemes in the capital and other regional cities. The speed at which we see e-scooters rolled out in Dublin may also depend on whether the four councils team up.

 

What are the main benefits of electric scooters?

  • Reduce congestion

    • Research conducted in conjunction with Norwegian-based TOI, demonstrated that 40-60% of Bolt app users across 10 European countries would opt to use an e-scooter instead of a taxi for journeys in the range of 3-5KM, demonstrating an awareness of sustainable alternatives and a desire to reduce traffic congestion in cities, when available.

  • Electric Scooters can be integrated into the wider public transport system

  • They are a sustainable alternative to private cars

    • A Bolt internal survey showed that Bolt scooters helped avoid more than 2.4 million kg CO2 eq emission (20 million car km) in 17 countries in 2022.

      • That’s equivalent to:

        • Offsetting 18.5 million plastic single-use bags

        • Taking more than 2600 flights from Paris to New York (round trips).

        • The amount of kg CO2 eq offset by almost 117 thousand trees yearly.

    • Bolt is making cities for people by shifting drivers from private cars to sustainable shared mobility.

    • By offering sustainable shared scooters, Bolt helps people to switch from driving private cars, which translates to reducing CO2 emissions, noise pollution, and congestion.

    • According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 30% of car journeys in Europe cover distances of under 3 km, and 50% cover less than 5 km. This means there is a huge potential in shifting people from private cars to shared mobility and thus making cities less congested, noisy and polluted.

 

E-scooters are a sustainable, effective and inexpensive alternative mode of transport for short to medium-length journeys. In a study in conjunction with TØI, Bolt found that 40-60% of app users would choose a scooter over a taxi/shared ride for journeys measuring 3 KM or less when prompted that an electric scooter was available nearby. Once people discovered the simplicity and convenience of using a scooter, they were more likely to opt for one instead of a car in the future. When integrated with the wider public transport system, electric scooters, alongside other forms of micro-mobility, are an effective solution to reducing congestion and pollution caused by an excessive amount of private car journeys.

 

What will the regulations look like?

 

Regulation

Status

Likely outcome

Max speed

TBC

25KM/H with Lower Max speeds in designated busy areas

Age Restrictions

TBC

Unclear if the Minister will impose age restrictions in regulations. Most shared e-scooter operators prohibit use for under 18 year olds.

Banned from paths and pavements

TBC

Extremely likely that electric scooters will only be permitted for use on roads and bike lanes

Need to wear a helmet?

TBC

Unlikely to be a requirement but likely to be recommended

Situation on insurance?

TBC

Private electric scooters will not be required to have insurance but will be personally liable for damage or injuries that they cause. Insurance is ordinarily included in the rental fee for shared scooter scheme users

Licence/ Reg Plate/ Identification requirement

TBC

Users will not be required to have a licence to operate an electric scooter. However, they will need to adhere to the rules of the road.

What will fines/consequences look like?

TBC

Breaking the rules of the road, not following regulations and improper and/or dangerous use of an electric scooter will likely result in fines.

Parking

TBC

Likely to vary across Councils, but mandatory virtual parking locations will likely be required in urban areas to ensure controlled and orderly parking.

 

What is Bolt doing to promote e-scooter safety?

  • Bolt sets a max speed for first times users at 15KM/H

    • Users then have the ability to set their own speed limit if they want to keep the speed lower than the 25km/h max

  • Speed control in mixed use areas

  • Tandem riding detection which will alert a user to the breach of rules if they are carrying a passenger on the scooter with them, and restrictions will follow if repeated.

  • Geo-fencing technology which can control virtual parking to ensure parked e-scooters do not present a hazard to other road users

  • Cognitive reaction testing, used during night-time hours to detect and prevent usage of the e-scooters while drunk.

 

Bolt has introduced several features to enhance the safety of its users and the wider public. Inexperienced e-scooter riders are provided with the option of implementing ‘beginner mode’, which provides them the freedom to set their max speed lower than the default 25km/h until they are more comfortable in their ability to use the scooter.

We have installed geo-fencing technology, which enables us to prevent users from riding scooters in restricted zones – i.e. pedestrianised streets – or beyond city limits. In addition, Bolt can control the speed of e-scooters in areas of mixed use.

Our tandem riding detection tech has the ability to detect if there is more than one person using the scooter, curtailing irresponsible and dangerous riding. 

During the nighttime and early morning hours, we switch on cognitive reaction testing on the app. This is aimed to detect and prevent users from using our scooters when under the influence of alcohol. If the user fails the cognitive reaction test, they are prompted to order a taxi on the app as an alternative and the e-scooter is not unlocked. 

Bolt highlights tips for safe electric bike use this winter

Bolt, the European mobility champion, is encouraging electric bike users to take extra precautions before mounting bikes this winter season as the traditional period of colder and unsettled weather kicks in over winter.

Bolt currently operates two shared e-bike schemes in Ireland, Sligo having launched in June 2022 with 65 e-bikes and Kilkenny in August 2022 with 50 e-bikes. Users on the schemes have travelled a combined distance of over 100,000 km to date.

Speaking on e-bike safety ahead of the current winter season, Operations Manager for Rentals for Bolt Ireland, John Buckley, said: “We have been overwhelmingly delighted with the uptake of our electric bike schemes in Sligo and Kilkenny to-date. Electric bikes and other forms of micromobility remain a viable alternative mode of transport for short to medium-length journeys year-round, but there are a few extra actions users can take to ensure maximum safety during the colder, and often wetter, winter months.

Electric Bike safety tips for winter

Ahead of the winter months, John Buckley provided some tips for users to ensure safety while using electric bikes this winter.

What is Bolt doing to ensure electric bike safety in Ireland this Christmas party season?

Cognitive Reaction Testing

Ahead of the Christmas season, Bolt is extending the operating hours for its built-in cognitive reaction testing from 12am – 4am to 10pm – 5am.  This is to deter the usage of electric bikes if the potential user has been drinking alcoholic beverages.

Bolt operates its e-bikes during nighttime hours as a means of transportation for late-night workers, including those working in the hospitality industry and essential services such as healthcare.

Bolt asks that people refrain from using e-bikes when under the influence of alcohol. If a user or friend fails the cognitive reaction test they will be unable to hire a bike and Bolt urges people to find an alternative mode of transport such as a taxi, public transport or walking if the distance isn’t too far.

For user safety and the safety of others, be responsible and do not take the cognitive reaction test on behalf of someone who is too intoxicated to use an electric bike.

Electric Bike Maintenance

To cycle safely in any weather, it’s essential to maintain electric bikes properly. Maintenance usually means checking for a few simple things to prevent issues later down the line. Bolt’s technical team regularly looks over all bikes to ensure they are safe to cycle.

As a cyclist, it is still important to do a quick check before each cycle to ensure the brakes work, and that the wheels move smoothly and this is also hugely important if you hit the trails with an eMTB.

If anything appears broken or not working quite as it should, users can easily report it through the Bolt app. Tap the little warning sign in the electric bike section, report an issue, and Bolt’s team will take care of it.

Using Electric Bikes in the Rain and Cold Weather

In typical winter weather, Bolt e-bikes are safe to cycle as they are built to be able to withstand rain. Users will still want to avoid extreme weather: torrential rain, high-standing water, and going to places with a danger of flooding.

Besides dressing warmly — with special attention to keeping hands warm by wearing gloves — It is important to be on the lookout for ice during cold snaps.

When temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing levels after rain or snowfall, black ice may form. Always avoid cycling on ice.

Cold weather can also affect e-bike batteries shortening the range a bike can travel. Keep this in mind when planning a longer cycle.

Here are Bolt’s top tips on how to stay safe and comfortable riding an electric bike in rain and cold weather:

 

  • Lower your speed. As the pavement can get slippy, lower speeds are safer. Wet tarmac provides less traction, so be extra mindful when turning. The Bolt app allows users to lower the maximum speed of the bike.

  • Brake early. Less traction also means slightly longer stopping times. All Bolt bikes have front and rear brakes to ensure safety, even in the highly unlikely case that one of them should fail.

  • Keep space between you and other road users so users can comfortably swerve or stop when needed to.

  • Stay visible. Rain also means lower visibility. Wear reflective clothing or reflectors. Bolt bikes have front and rear lights and side reflectors.

  • Dress for the occasion. Keep yourself warm and dry by choosing suitable clothing for the weather.

Using Electric Bikes in the Dark

The key to bike safety in low light conditions is increasing visibility.

 

  • Stay aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for slippery surfaces and debris.

  • Cycle In well-lit areas. Choose streets with good lighting for a cycle. This will help users to have a clear overview of their surroundings as well as visibility.

  • Be visible and audible. All Bolt bikes are equipped with front and rear lights as well as a bell. Use the bell to make yourself known to fellow cyclists and pedestrians.

  • Dress for the occasion.  As per Road Safety Authority guidelines, wearing a high-vis vest or bright clothing provides cyclists with the best chance of being seen in darker conditions.

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Go-Ahead Ireland and Lime Partner in Driver Safety Campaign

Lime, the world’s largest shared e-bike and e-scooter provider, has announced a safety partnership with Go-Ahead Ireland (GAI). The partnership will see the two companies working together to increase awareness e-bike and e-scooter riders for Go-Ahead Ireland’s bus drivers, helping them to better navigate sharing the road ahead of the passing of e-scooter legislation next year.

Bus drivers in Go-Ahead’s Ballymount and Naas depots will be provided with practical guidance in the form of a safety manual which will provide tips and methods for drivers to safely share Irish roads safely with e-scooter riders and cyclists. The manual will include background information on e-scooters and e-bikes as new modes of green transport, as well as reminders for bus drivers on blind spots, particularly on roads where there is not dedicated cycling infrastructure.

In order for GAI bus drivers to put the programme into practice, Lime will provide e-scooters and e-bikes to the company. The vehicles will help the drivers to understand first-hand what it is like to ride an e-scooter and/or e-bike alongside buses, and how to interact on roads safely.

GAI provides all of its drivers with professional training before they begin driving on the network. This includes theory testing and NCT qualifications, and all drivers also must have Certificates of Professional Competence (CPC) cards issued by the Road Safety Authority. Drivers also receive training on the specific routes they will be driving on before entering service.

Nicole Quadrelli, Risk Manager for Go-Ahead Ireland said: “More and more people are travelling by e-bike and e-scooter, and with some bus routes do not yet have dedicated cycle lane infrastructure. It’s really important to us in GAI that we make sure all our drivers are safely and respectfully sharing the road with cyclists and e-scooter users alike. We are delighted to be partnered with Lime in anticipation of the roll out of its e-scooter sharing services in Ireland next year”.

Hal Stevenson, Lime Senior Public Affairs Manager for Ireland said: “The safety of all road users is a priority for Lime everywhere we operate, which is why we are committed to working closely with Go-Ahead Ireland, and wider stakeholders to make sure everyone feels confident sharing Ireland’s roads. Lime and GAI ultimately have the same goal, which is to shift people from their cars and onto shared, more sustainable ways of traveling like cycling, e-scooters, and public transport. Lime’s services are designed to complement public transport networks, offering first and last mile solutions to users”.

Lime is committed to ensuring e-scooter and e-bike riders understand the rules of the road and riding best practice, alongside drivers. It provides safety training to e-scooter riders via its First Ride Academy in all the cities it operates services in. This in-person course provides practical training for riders, including how to inspect scooters for safety before each journey, and how to safely ride.

Despite the fact that e-scooters are currently still not legal to use on public roads in Ireland, their popularity has been increasing in recent years. The Road and Road Traffic Bill 2021, which will allow for their use, is currently making its way through the Seanad. In the interim, and in anticipation of future sharing schemes, the partnership will help to foster a better understanding between bus drivers and e-scooter users. The partnership may also lead to the provision of Lime’s shared e-bikes to GAI employees via long term loans to encourage more sustainable commuting choices.

Lime’s partnership with GAI is part of its commitment to invest €10 million in its Irish operations as it looks to launch e-bike and e-scooter sharing schemes in towns and cities across the country. Last month Lime launched a 12-month shared e-bike pilot in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, which will see up to 100 bikes available for hire in virtual parking bays across the town. Lime also hopes to launch its e-scooter sharing service in Ireland next year following the passing of legislation and regulations to make e-scooters legal on Irish roads.

Voi to utilise Provizio’s 5D Perception platform, to eradicate e-scooter accidents

Voi Technology, Europe’s leading micromobility provider, today announces its partnering with Provizio, a leading accident-prevention technology company. This partnership will see the deployment and testing of cutting-edge sensor and AI technology, in order to prevent e-scooter accidents in real-time.

Voi, which hopes to operate in Ireland following the announcement of regulations allowing for the legal and safe use of e-scooters and the procurement for shared e-scooter schemes, is partnering with Provizio to adapt its 5D Perception® Platform to deliver an industry-leading real-time onboard e-scooter safety system.

5D Perception® – a five-dimensional system of safety

The technology developed by Provizio for the motor industry utilises a five-dimensional perception system that can continually see, track and interpret vehicular behaviour and identify roadway elements. Provizio’s newest research instrument will be tested on Voi’s e-scooters and will use the cutting-edge 5D Perception®  Platform to identify other vehicles up to 200m away and pedestrians up to 60m away – helping to perceive, predict and prevent potential accidents in real-time.

Artificial intelligence is central to the system, Provizio uses machine-learning algorithms and a suite of in-build and high-end 5D radar and vision sensors.  This technology continuously learns and processes the environment around and in front of the vehicle  more than 20 times per second utilising its onboard GPU, in order to  identify potential hazards with unprecedented accuracy and speed.

The system is capable of achieving this feat in all weather conditions, making it suitable for Voi’s markets across Europe, such as the temperate weather of the UK, Sweden’s colder climate as well as the Mediterranean temperatures of Italy.

Provizio’s Goal / Voi’s Vision Zero 2030

This partnership has one goal in mind, to prevent accidents and keep riders and other road users safe across Europe. 94% of accidents are caused by human error, errors current accident prevention systems cannot stop, Provizio’s aims to eradicate these accidents.

While in-app messaging, in-person safety events and the RideLikeVolia online safety school remain central to Voi educating riders on safety, the company is committed to using technological innovation whenever possible to underpin its service in order to achieve its goal of Vision Zero.

By the end of this decade, Voi is determined to eliminate all severe injuries and fatalities connected to its service. Voi’s vision has seen the company publish its first safety report as part of its commitment to safety in order to increase transparency and foster a dialogue on how shared micromobility can make cities safer.

Barry Lunn, CEO & Founder of Provizio said:

“From the outset Provizio has committed to ensuring our perception technology would protect more vulnerable road users along with drivers. This partnership is another step towards our goal of making mobility safer for all travellers in a mixed mobility future. Voi shares our values in this regard and we are looking forward to helping them deliver the safest micromobility experience possible for their riders”. 

Sam Pooke, Senior Policy Manager for Voi UK and Ireland, said:

“Safety must be at the heart of micromobility in Ireland. By partnering with Provizio, Voi continues its dedication to empowering people to leave their cars behind and move around their city in a safer, more sustainable way. Crucial to driving a systematic shift in how we travel is through using a mix of education and innovative technology, as well as refining operations on the ground, to achieve our Vision Zero target. Not all journeys will be the same as the previous one; however, working in collaboration with Provizio not only supports the notion that every e-scooter rider must act responsibly, but every journey must end safely.”

Real-World Testing

Working in collaboration with Provizio, a Voi e-scooter will be fitted with APT in order to develop the system over the next three months at the Future Mobility Campus Ireland, the innovative facility which allows companies to test technology in a real-world environment.

The technology will give authorities across Europe the confidence that they can have greater control over rental e-scooters, which provide a new carbon-neutral urban mode of transport and ensure micromobility is at the forefront of changing the way people get around.