#MICROMOBILITY - techbuzzireland.com

ZEUS Partners with UCC to Unveil a Cinematic Revival and Micromobility Future

ZEUS, Ireland’s leading homegrown micromobility company, proudly announces its partnership with University College Cork (UCC) for the Irish premiere of the restored silent-era classic, The Signal Tower. Last shown in Cork in 1925, this timeless film returns to the big screen for a free gala screening, with live musical accompaniment by one of the world’s leading silent-film musicians, Stephen Horne, at the Aula Maxima in UCC on Tuesday, November 21.

The gala evening, supported by ZEUS, celebrates the convergence of history and modernity. As Ireland’s largest homegrown micromobility company, ZEUS looks forward highlighting the transformative role of e-scooters in Ireland’s urban mobility and contributing to the nation’s future by offering sustainable and convenient alternatives for short-distance travel.

Expressing enthusiasm for this historic collaboration, ZEUS CEO Damian Young stated, “We are thrilled to be part of the revival of such a significant piece of cinematic history. The Signal Tower’s return aligns seamlessly with ZEUS‘ commitment to connecting the past and future, just as our e-scooters are poised to revolutionise transportation across Ireland”.

The restoration of The Signal Tower is a testament to the dedication and international dimension of film preservation and was led by Photoplay Productions and the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. Robert Byrne, President of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival and an award-winning film restorer with a history of collaboration with UCC’s Department of Film and Screen Media, will introduce the screening and will also deliver a masterclass on film restoration on Wednesday 22^nd November.

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.

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.

Zipp Mobility Statement on e-Scooter Legislation Developments in Ireland

Last night the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 passed the Report Stage and Final Stage in Dáil Éireann and the Bill now moves to Seanad Éireann.

Charlie Gleeson, CEO and Founder of Zipp Mobility, Ireland’s leading micromobility provider said, “Last night’s approval by Dáil Éireann of the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 was a significant milestone on the journey to legalising the use of Powered Personal Transporters, or e-scooters, in Ireland.”

“It is a development which Zipp Mobility, as Ireland’s leading shared e-scooter provider, warmly welcomes and we would like to acknowledge Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton TD, for steering the legislation through the Dáil. We now look forward to the legislation speedily passing through all stages in the Seanad before being signed into law.”

“Once this has taken place, we look forward to introducing shared e-scooter service in cities across Ireland. Our approach which we describe as ‘mobility done right’ prioritises sustainability, safety and community-centric design above all else. We hope to use this approach to help assist Ireland in its fight against climate change.”

Zipp Mobility, which has raised over €8 million in funding, was established by Charlie Gleeson in 2019 and is headquartered at NovaUCD in Dublin. The company is already a significant player in the European micromobility sharing market, having launched e-scooter and e-bike operations in nine cities in Ireland, the UK and Poland.

The company plans to launch in several Irish cities including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford once the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 is passed into law. The company is also planning to expand its European operations in the next 12 months.

Bolt to launch pilot e-bike scheme in Kilkenny

Bolt, the European mobility champion, today announced it will launch its second electric bike scheme in Kilkenny ahead of the Kilkenny Arts Festival starting on August 4th.

The 80-bike pilot will kick off in the coming week and will trial new virtual parking solutions to provide both flexibility and ease of use for cyclists and ensure the scheme is mindful of pedestrians and other road users.

This service will help to deliver on the Kilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021 – 2027, which prioritises sustainable transport and continued development of walking and cycling infrastructure in support of the 10-minute city concept.

Caitriona Corr, Cycling Officer with Kilkenny County Council, said, “We are delighted that people will have another choice of transport in Kilkenny. It has been shown that e-bike users cycle further and more often so the benefit will be not just to our city but also people’s wellbeing. e-bikes can be of great assistance to people with reduced mobility and can make more arduous journeys very enjoyable.”

Bolt has continued to strengthen its Irish team with the recent appointment of John Buckley as Operations Manager for Rentals in Ireland, who said, “Kilkenny is our second Irish market and one where we believe e-bikes can make a transformational difference to travel options and wellbeing. We are also conscious that Kilkenny is a medieval city and as such presents new challenges from an operational perspective. The learnings we will gather from Kilkenny will give Bolt a stronger understanding of the concerns some Local Authorities may have when it comes to introducing shared e-bike schemes into the public realm where space may be limited, and will leave Bolt as an experienced operator of such.

Buckley added, “Electric bikes play an essential role in reducing the reliance on private vehicles when travelling short to medium distances. We are keen that our e-bikes provide sustainable and affordable solutions in regional towns and cities too — there is no reason that such services should only be available in the capital.”

The launch marks Bolt’s second e-bike launch after it launched in Sligo earlier this year. The Sligo pilot has proven highly successful in its first month with 14,633 kms travelled by electric bike in the town in the first month alone — the equivalent of cycling from Sligo to Australia.

Bolt is a leading European mobility champion operating a range of services including e-bikes, eScooters, ride-hailing and car clubs for over 100 million people across 200 cities. The company currently operates ride-hailing taxi services in Dublin and Cork and is seeking to bring electric bikes, and in time, electric scooters to cities and towns across Ireland. The launch in Kilkenny comes as part of a wider push for Bolt to deploy 16,000 e-bikes across Europe in 2022, following recent fundraising.

Bolt will commit up to €5m in its bid to roll out e-bike operations across Irish cities and towns. Up to 2000 bikes are available immediately following Bolt’s recent fundraise and investment in micromobility with founder Markus Villig recently committing €150m to expand its light vehicle fleet across Europe.

How to rent a Bolt e-bike

To rent a Bolt e-bike, users need the Bolt app, available on app stores, and a payment card tied to an account.

Follow these steps to start riding a Bolt e-bike:

Open the app and tap on the e-bike icon to locate your closest bike;
Scan the QR code on the bike to unlock it;
Carefully read through the safety tips;
When you’re ready to roll, push off and go!

Continuing Bolt’s reputation of offering affordable micromobility service across continents, Bolt is the most affordable provider of shared electric bikes in Ireland, thanks to having low rates and no unlock fee. The per-minute rental price is the lowest on the market at just 0.15 EUR/minute during the launch campaign.

About Bolt e-bikes

Bolt e-bikes have been designed with a clear focus on safety. Solid rear and front wheel drum brakes help control the speed efficiently. Puncture-proof pneumatic tyres translate into better grip and durability.

The e-bike is also equipped with a functional dashboard providing information about speed, battery level and speed zones, showing the user all the information needed to enjoy the ride. Bolt e-bikes are equipped with high-precision GPS which helps users find the bikes easily on the street.

Bolt has also launched the in-app cognitive reaction test which aims to prevent users from riding an e-bike or scooter while intoxicated. If a customer ‘fails’ the test the app encourages them to choose other means of transport e.g. taxi. The test is an added safety layer designed to protect both riders and pedestrians.

The new e-bike model introduced by Bolt has a long lifespan of up to 5 years, which makes it highly sustainable. The e-bike is also produced from 100% recyclable aluminium. Integrating a swappable battery in the e-bike’s design results in fewer operations needed for battery charging. This translates into a decreased overall carbon footprint since the e-bikes do not need to be frequently transported to a warehouse for charging. The high-capacity battery additionally offers a range of up to 90 km per charge.

The e-bike also features beginner modes permitting max speeds of up to 15 km per hour, which can be activated in the Bolt app. Geo-fencing technology enables the prevention of high speeds in designated ‘go-slow’ zones where pedestrian footfall may be high, such as the High Street and the Parade.

Bolt appoint John Buckley to Operations Manager for Rentals in Ireland

Bolt, the European mobility champion, continues to strengthen its Irish team with the appointment of John Buckley as Operations Manager for Rentals in Ireland. John joins Bolt following the launch of the firm’s first Irish electric bike rollout in Sligo, with a number of other cities and towns under consideration

Buckley joins from Bleeper, where he was responsible for the management and supervision of all aspects of daily operations for public bike share schemes throughout the administrative areas of Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, whilst ensuring the service met the strict requirements as set out by the Local Authorities.

He joins Bolt as it prepares to invest €5m in expanding its e-bike and scooter operations in Ireland as part of a bid to build a multimodal platform that can provide a sustainable alternative to private car ownership. Bolt is the largest micromobility operator across continental Europe, with services in more than 200 cities and 20 European countries.

Announcing John Buckley’s appointment, Tomas Veloso Director of Rentals for Bolt said, “As we aim to bring a multi-modal mobility app to cities across Ireland, John will be integral to guiding the strategy behind our electric bike and scooter roll outs, ensuring Bolt thoughtfully and safely integrates with the infrastructure, transport system and wellbeing of the public.”

On joining the team, John Buckley said; “Bolt is at an exciting point in its development in Ireland, with really ambitious plans for growth. I’m eager to unlock the positive benefits micromobility options can bring to the country, whilst staying acutely aware of any concerns held by Irish cities and towns about the introduction of new transport modes.”

John brings a wealth of experience in sustainable transport options and reaffirms Bolt’s long term commitment to the Irish market. He will be responsible for the management of Bolt’s first Irish e-bike rental service in Sligo and the rollout of further e-bike and scooter services throughout Ireland in the coming months.

More About Bolt’s Irish Plans

Bolt offers a range of mobility services including ride-hailing, shared cars, e-bikes, scooters, and food and grocery delivery to more than 75 million customers in over 45 countries across Europe and Africa.

Bolt currently offers ride hailing services in Dublin and Cork, and an e-bike rental service in Sligo. Ride hailing operations are headed by James Bowpitt, who manages a specialist team in Dublin.

Bolt recently announced that it will commit up to €5m in its bid to roll out e-bike operations across Irish cities and towns. Up to 2000 bikes are available immediately following Bolt’s recent fundraise and investment in micromobility with founder Markus Villig recently committing €150m to expand its light vehicle fleet across Europe.

Launching a 100 e-bike rental service in Sligo in June, Bolt has confirmed it is in talks with several other councils keen to accelerate its active travel services in line with the National Development Plan and the Climate Action Plan. Should all current tender applications be successful, Bolt envisages an additional 50 employees, as well as a significant expansion of its head office facilities in Dublin.

Bolt is keen to add e-scooters to its operations when legislation is in place. Bikes and electric scooters cover a fuller range of travel options across most European cities and could help significantly move Irish transport users away from private car use.

The Bolt app is available on iOS and Android.

Lime establishes Irish Disability Advisory Board to ensure safe and responsible rollout of shared micromobility services

Lime – the world’s largest shared electric vehicle company – has today announced the establishment of an Irish Disability Advisory Board ahead of its expected rollout of e-scooter and e-bike sharing services in Irish towns and cities next year.

The Irish Wheelchair Association and the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) will be founding members of the board, which will also be supported by local cycling organisations. The group is being established to help ensure that Lime’s for-hire e-scooter and e-bike services are designed in a safe and responsible way, without negatively impacting local residents or visitors with disabilities or access needs. Lime welcomes further applications from relevant organisations to the Board.

John Fulham, Public Engagement Manager for the Irish Wheelchair Association said, “Irish Wheelchair Association welcomes the opportunity to be involved in Lime’s Irish Disability Advisory Board, where we can offer our advice and represent the voice of people with disabilities as the country prepares for the official introduction of e-scooters in Ireland. It is important that the voice of disabled people is heard and represented in the discussions from as early a stage as is possible.”

Lorna Fitzpatrick, Advocacy and Engagement Manager at NCBI said, “NCBI is happy to participate in Lime’s Irish Disability Advisory Board to share our views that are reflective of the experiences of people who are blind or vision impaired across the country. It is of paramount importance that the experiences of people living with sight loss and all people with access and mobility requirements are heard and considered as Lime prepares to create a presence in Ireland.”

Hal Stevenson, Lime Senior Public Affairs Manager for Lime in Ireland said, “Safety and inclusivity are central to Lime’s services, wherever we operate, so we’re really proud to be setting up our Irish Disability Advisory Board ahead of the launch of our services here next year. Each organisation provides a different perspective, and their insights and opinions will help us to design and deliver services that can have a positive impact across all communities.”

The Board’s first meeting will take place in July and will meet on a quarterly basis thereafter. Minutes and actions will be recorded during each meeting and shared with Lime’s partner local authorities to ensure full transparency and accountability. The group will be consulted ahead of Lime implementing any new products or service changes in Ireland. Lime will also provide opportunities for the Board to collaborate with its pre-existing Northern European Disability Advisory Board.

Following recent delays to e-scooter legislation in Ireland, Lime is expecting to launch services here in 2023. Commenting on delays to the Government’s legislation to regulate e-scooters, Stevenson added, “the delays to legislation are unfortunate and prevent safer and more sustainable use of e-scooters in Ireland. Lime is using this additional time to work with the policy makers to ensure that when regulations are passed they are progressive and proportionate, helping to create a future of transport in Ireland that is shared, green and affordable.”

Irish Micromobility Operator Closes €6.1 million Funding Round Led by Fasanara Capital

Zipp Mobility (www.zippmobility.com), Ireland’s leading micromobility operator, today announced that it has closed a €6.1 million funding round led by Fasanara Capital, a UK-based asset manager, and follow-on investment from a number of existing investors.

The funding, a mixture of equity and debt, will be used by the company to expand its e-scooter and e-bike operations in Ireland, UK and in mainland Europe in the coming months and to expand the Zipp growth and operations team.

Zipp Mobility, established by Charlie Gleeson in 2019 and headquartered at NovaUCD in Dublin, is already a significant player in the European micromobility sharing market, having launched e-scooter and e-bike operations in nine (9) cities in the UK, Ireland and Poland.

Charlie Gleeson, CEO and founder, Zipp Mobility, said, “We are delighted to have secured this significant investment and backing from the Fasanara Capital team and existing investors. Its great to have so many investors who believe in our long-term vision of “mobility done right”. This funding will help us bring this approach to more cities and provide more people in Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe with sustainable, safe and community-centric micromobility solutions.”

Francesco Filia, CEO, Fasanara Capital, said “We were attracted to investing in Zipp by their differentiated market position and unique value proposition to local government partners. Zipp are an evolved player in the mobility space with a proven track record, sophisticated tech infrastructure and a quality-driven approach and we believe these factors will continue to drive the company’s success in this fast-growing market.”

Previous to this latest funding round Zipp Mobility, an Enterprise Ireland high potential start-up, had secured a total of €2.1 million from a number private and angel investors including, former Irish rugby international Brian O’Driscoll and Barry Maloney of Balderton Capital, Enterprise Ireland, and through a crowdfunding campaign on the Spark Crowdfunding platform.

Davy Corporate Finance acted as financial adviser to Zipp Mobility on the transaction.

Dublin Bus partners with Voi – First of its kind pilot project in Ireland

Dublin Bus, the State’s largest public transport provider, joined with Europe’s largest micromobility company, Voi Technology (Voi) to launch an innovative new pilot project. From today Dublin Bus employees will be able to access a special fleet of Voi e-bikes to enable them to travel between the eight depots which house the 1,000 bus fleet of Dublin Bus.

The new initiative, a pilot project to run for 12 months, will give Voi and Dublin Bus real time insights into micromobility in the capital. Part of a wider range of projects that Dublin Bus is pioneering to support sustainable transport, the e-bike usage data will provide invaluable insights to help Dublin Bus support customers in choosing how to journey on their first or last mile. The pilot programme will include 20 Voi bikes and all bikes will be co-branded in the unique Dublin Bus and the distinct Voi colour schemes. The bikes come equipped with all safety mechanisms and will be charged up and maintained at Dublin Bus depots across the city.

With a focus on bringing world class solutions to consumers, Dublin Bus first began exploring the Voi solution 18 months ago. A special project task force led by Robert Lynn of Dublin Bus examined a broad range of options and technologies to use as part of this trial. The options were examined for items like versatility, ease of use, user experience in booking, and supplier expertise. Voi, Europe’s leading micromobility operator was selected after an exhaustive process.

Speaking about the initiative, Ray Coyne, Chief Executive of Dublin Bus said: “New technology is changing the way everything is done and transport services are no different. We’ve always prided ourselves on how we help Dublin thrive and this new technology is part of that and is also enabling new ways of doing things in Dublin Bus.

“We’ve been examining the area of mobility within the transport sector over the last 18 months and exploring markets in the UK and major European cities. During this process we have spoken to many local authorities, local operators, and IT suppliers to gain insight into emerging trends and gain an insight into operational lessons learned as various services are launched in various locations. This has resulted in the company being presented with a number of opportunities in different areas of mobility and we’re delighted today to launch this pilot project.”

Fredrik Hjelm, Co-founder and CEO at Voi said: “We are delighted to partner with such a reputable transport provider and give their employees an opportunity to use our e-bikes to travel around this fabulous city in a sustainable way.

“Integrating public transport with green transport modes such as scooters or e-bikes is fundamental to the decarbonisation of our cities and towns, and we couldn’t be more excited about working with Dublin Bus to bring our vision of creating better cities to live into the Irish capital.”

Technical elements

E-bikes: Starting with a fleet of 20 of our latest e-bikes. All vehicles GPS tracked and capable of speed and zone restrictions (as required)

Using the bikes: Unlimited access exclusively for Dublin Bus Employees. Free unlocking and riding for all employees via the Voi app

Data: Dashboard set up for Dublin Bus management to monitor usage and manage fleet.

Repairs: Inventory of spare parts to be held at Dublin Bus depots – supplied free of charge.

Short-term: Repairs to be conducted by Dublin Bus following training.

Charging batteries: To be conducted locally by Dublin Bus. Charging kits to be supplied by Voi.

Safety: training to be provided for employees to promote safe adoption.

Support: Relationship Manager to be assigned to Dublin Bus to ensure all needs are serviced.

Term: 12-month trial, after which we can review and discuss longer term installations

Locations:

Broadstone
Conyngham Road
Clontarf
Donnybrook
Harristown
Phibsboro
Ringsend
Summerhill
O’Connell Street (Dublin Bus Head Office)

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