Gel Blasters: Understanding the Basics and Beyond

Gel blasters, a dynamic recreational activity that has taken the world of outdoor gaming by storm, is more than just a pastime: it’s an exhilarating fusion of strategy, skill, and adrenaline-packed action. With origins steeped in traditional shooter games, gel blasters offer a tangible, real-world experience that is both safe and immensely entertaining. Whether you’re an avid game enthusiast seeking a new challenge or simply curious about this phenomenon, this guide will delve into the captivating world of gel blasters. Prepare to embark on an adventure that will transform your perception of outdoor gaming.

What are Gel Blasters?

Gel blasters are exciting new toys that have been gaining popularity in recent years. They are similar in design to airsoft guns, but instead of firing plastic pellets, they shoot small, water-filled gel balls. These balls are made of a super-absorbent polymer that is capable of holding up to 400 times its weight in water. When filled with water, the balls become soft and squishy but still firm enough to be fired from a gun.

Gel blasters operate using a spring-loaded mechanism, which allows them to shoot the gel balls at high speeds. The balls can travel up to 150 feet per second, making them perfect for outdoor battles with friends or family. The best part? Gel balls are cheap and biodegradable, making them easy to clean up after use.

Finding the Right Gear 

When playing gel blasters, having the right gear can make all the difference in your success on the battlefield. For those looking for a powerful weapon, the LMG gel blaster is a great option for its high rate of fire and large capacity. On the other hand, if you prefer a more compact gun with mobility in mind, the SMG gel blaster may be your weapon of choice.

Of course, you should not forget about the other elements that contribute to a well-rounded loadout. Consider adding a tactical vest to hold your extra gear, protective eyewear to shield your eyes from stray pellets, and comfortable shoes to keep you agile as you dart around the battlefield. With the right gear, you’ll be well-prepared for your gel blasters game and ready to dominate your opponents.

Different Types of Gel Blasters Available

If you’re into airsoft or paintball, you might want to check out the world of gel blasters as well. These replica guns shoot small balls made of water-absorbing polymer that burst on impact, leaving no mess behind. But what sets gel blasters apart from airsoft and paintball is the variety of types available on the market. Here are just a few examples:

 

  • Pistols: Compact and easy to handle, pistols are great for players who prioritize mobility.
  • Rifles: Perfect for long-range shooting, rifles provide accuracy and power on the battlefield.
  • Shotguns: With their widespread, shotguns are best used for close-quarters combat.
  • Grenade Launchers: These powerful weapons launch multiple gel balls at once, making them great for taking out groups of opponents.

No matter what type you choose, each one offers a unique playing experience and adds to the overall fun and excitement of gel blasters.

Game Modes in Gel Blasters

Among the most appealing aspects of gel blasters is the variety of game modes that can be played. From simple one-on-one battles to large-scale team games, there is something for every player’s preference. Here are some popular game modes to take into account:

 

  • Deathmatch: The classic game mode where players eliminate each other until the last one standing wins.
  • Capture the Flag: Two teams compete to capture and return the opposing team’s flag to their base while protecting their own.
  • Headquarters: Teams fight for control of a designated area on the battlefield, earning points for every second they dominate it.
  • Zombies: A group of players try to survive against a horde of “zombies” armed with gel blasters.
  • Escort: One team must escort a designated player safely to their base while the opposing team tries to eliminate them.

Thanks to the array of game modes available, gel blasters offer endless possibilities for fun and creativity. Players can even come up with their own unique game modes, adding to the already diverse world of gel blasters.

Safety First

While gel blasters are designed to be safe and enjoyable, it is still important to prioritize safety when playing. Always wear protective gear, such as eye protection and closed-toe shoes, and follow all safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Make sure to never aim at anyone’s face or eyes, and always use common sense when handling a gel blaster.

Players should also be aware of their surroundings and never play in public areas without permission. You don’t want to risk alarming others or causing any unnecessary accidents. No matter how exciting the game may get, always prioritize safety for yourself and those around you.

Gel blasters offer a unique and thrilling experience that combines elements of traditional shooter games with real-world action. With a variety of gear options, game modes, and safety measures in place, it’s no wonder that this activity has become so popular among outdoor enthusiasts. The next time you’re looking for a new adventure, consider giving Gel blasters a try and see what all the buzz is about! Who knows, it may just become your new favorite hobby.

Don’t Roll The Dice On Security: Protecting Yourself While Betting Online

The allure of winning big in online betting can be irresistible. However, amidst the excitement of chasing jackpots and placing wagers, it’s easy to overlook the critical aspect of security. The landscape of online betting is expanding rapidly, but so are its associated risks. From scams and phishing attempts to identity theft, the digital realm of online betting poses significant threats to your personal and financial information. This article will examine online betting security, providing valuable insights on protecting yourself while enjoying your favourite games.

Understanding Online Betting Security

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of security measures, let’s take a moment to understand the online betting landscape. Online betting has experienced explosive growth recently, with numerous platforms and services catering to enthusiasts worldwide. However, with this growth comes an increasing need for robust security measures to safeguard your personal and financial information.

The Risks You Face And Staying Safe

As you venture into the world of online betting, you must be aware of the potential risks you may encounter. Scammers and cybercriminals always prowl, seeking opportunities to exploit unsuspecting bettors. Phishing attacks, fraudulent websites, and identity theft are just dangers lurking in the shadows.

Selecting trustworthy betting platforms is one of the first steps in ensuring your online security. Look for sites that hold valid licenses and have a strong reputation in the industry. User reviews and recommendations from fellow bettors can also be invaluable when making your choice.

Securing Your Financial Transactions

When it comes to financial transactions on online betting platforms, security is paramount. Using secure payment methods and encrypted connections ensures the safety of your funds and personal details. Consider using an eWallet, like MiFinity eWallet, to enhance your security further.

An eWallet can offer a convenient and secure way to manage online betting transactions. Not only does it provide a safe and encrypted environment for your financial data, but it also facilitates faster transactions. Additionally, many online casinos offer exclusive bonuses, some of which you find at the MiFinity Bonus, and promotions to eWallet users, giving you added value for your bets.

Creating Strong and Secure Passwords

A strong password is your first line of defence against cyber threats. Whilst it might be easy to go for a password that is easy to remember, a general rule of thumb is to avoid using easily guessable passwords. If you struggle, consider using a reliable password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords for your betting accounts.

Along with creating a strong password, consider implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) to your account. This is a powerful tool that can help to enhance the security of your online betting accounts. Simply enabling 2FA means that you ca add an extra layer of protection, making it significantly harder for unauthorised individuals to access your account.

Betting Safely

Online betting can be an enjoyable and potentially lucrative pastime, but it’s not without risks. Protecting yourself while betting online should be a top priority. Don’t roll the dice on your online security. Take proactive steps today to ensure a safe and enjoyable betting experience. Your winnings should be a reward for your skills and luck, not a windfall for cybercriminals.

Top Password Practices Everyone Should Follow

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, but it’s worth repeating: your password is your first line of defense against cyber threats. It’s crucially important, yet so often neglected. So, let’s dive into some top-notch password practices that you should be following to keep your digital footprint secure.

Use A Password Manager

One effective practice to fortify your online security is the use of a password manager. Now, you might be wondering what this is and how it can help you out. A password manager is a highly secure tool that generates, stores, and manages all your passwords. 

This means you don’t have to remember a multitude of complex, unique passwords, which is what you need in today’s digital age to keep hackers at bay. People also often use a Dashlane’s generator to make it easier for them to create a strong and unbreakable code. The password manager does the heavy lifting for you, creating strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Plus, it employs encryption techniques to ensure your passwords are securely stored. This way, you’re not only making your digital life a lot easier but also a whole lot safer.

Implement Various Characters

It’s absolutely essential that you use different characters in an order that only you will understand. These should be the following:

 

  • uppercase letters
  • lowercase letters
  • numbers
  • special characters

 

Implementing a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters in your password significantly increases its complexity. This diversity of characters makes it harder for hackers to guess or crack your password through brute force attacks, thereby enhancing your security. Essentially, the greater the variety of characters used, the stronger the password becomes.

Enable Two-factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is another crucial layer of security to make your passwords stronger. It works by demanding two forms of identification before granting access. So, even if someone manages to guess your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second form of verification. 

Typically, this second factor could be a message sent to your phone, a fingerprint scan, or facial recognition. By adding this extra step, you’re drastically reducing the chances of unauthorized access. It’s like having a second lock on your door, making it doubly hard for intruders to break in.

Regularly Update Passwords

Regularly updating your passwords is akin to changing the locks on your door periodically – it maintains a strong barrier against potential threats. As cyber criminals continuously evolve their techniques, even complex codes can eventually be cracked. By regularly changing your password, you keep these perpetrators on their toes, rendering any of their possible previous knowledge about your passwords useless. 

This practice is especially significant if there’s a chance your account details have been compromised. By updating your password, you’re essentially evicting any unsanctioned users from your account. Therefore, periodic password updates form a dynamic and robust defense, contributing to a stronger password strategy.

 

In conclusion, your online security is worth the extra effort. Embrace these practices – using a password manager, mixing up characters, enabling two-factor authentication, and refreshing your passwords regularly. These steps help maintain a sturdy defense against cyber threats, ensuring your digital world remains secure and your peace of mind intact. Remember, a strong password equals strong protection.

Protecting Your Business and Employees: The Benefits of Reasonable Suspicion Training

As a business owner or manager, ensuring the safety and well-being of your employees should be at the top of your priority list. One way to accomplish this is by providing reasonable suspicion training for all staff members. This type of training can help you identify potential issues before they become major problems, maintain workplace safety, ensure legal compliance, and preserve productivity and reputation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various benefits of reasonable suspicion training for both your business and employees, as well as how it can provide consistent and fair practices while supporting those who may need assistance in difficult situations.

Identifying Potential Issues

This type of training provides employees with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize signs of drug or alcohol abuse, as well as other problematic behavior. By implementing drug and alcohol reasonable suspicion training, your employees will have a much easier time identifying potential issues early on, allowing you to take proactive measures to address them and prevent them from causing harm to your employees or business. This could include providing support and resources for employees who may be struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues. Furthermore, reasonable suspicion training can also help your team identify warning signs of harassment or discrimination in the workplace. By addressing these types of behaviors promptly, you can ensure that all employees feel safe and valued within your organization.

Maintaining Workplace Safety

Not only does it protect employees from harm, but it also helps to avoid costly legal issues and reputational damage. There are several steps that employers can take to ensure that their workplaces remain safe. One of the most important measures is training employees on safety procedures, such as how to properly handle hazardous materials or operate heavy machinery. Additionally, enforcing strict rules around personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensuring that all necessary safety gear is provided can prevent accidents from occurring. Another element in maintaining workplace safety to keep an eye on is conducting regular inspections and audits. Employers should identify potential hazards and make changes accordingly, whether it be installing proper lighting or repairing damaged equipment. In addition to these proactive measures, creating an open culture of communication between management and employees can help identify potential issues before they become major problems. Encouraging workers to report any concerns or incidents without fear of retaliation will foster a sense of trust within the organization.

Legal Compliance

Ensuring legal compliance is a crucial component of reasonable suspicion training. By educating managers and supervisors on relevant laws and regulations, businesses can avoid costly lawsuits or penalties. It’s important to understand the rights of employees as well as the responsibilities of employers when it comes to drug and alcohol testing. One key law to be aware of is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Employers must make accommodations for those who are in recovery from addiction or undergoing treatment for substance abuse. Additionally, some states have their own specific laws regarding drug testing policies. A thorough understanding of these laws can help companies create fair policies that protect both employees and the business itself. Training sessions should also cover proper documentation procedures, confidentiality requirements, and other legal considerations.

Consistent and Fair Practices

In order for an employer to protect their business and employees, they must ensure that all incidents are handled in a consistent manner. This means having clear policies and procedures in place that outline the steps to be taken when there is suspicion of drug or alcohol use. It’s important to remember that consistency also involves treating all employees fairly, regardless of their position within the company. Everyone should be held accountable for their actions in the same way, without bias or discrimination based on race, gender, age or any other factor. By following these principles, employers can create a workplace culture where everyone understands what is expected of them and how they will be treated if there is reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use. This helps establish trust between management and employees while simultaneously protecting everyone involved. In addition to creating a safe working environment through consistent and fair practices, this approach can also help with legal compliance. Employers who have established policies and procedures in place have documentation to back up any decisions made regarding reasonable suspicion testing.

Employee Support and Assistance

An essential aspect of reasonable suspicion training is providing support and assistance to employees who may be struggling with substance abuse or other related issues. This can involve offering resources for treatment, counseling with an online therapist, or other forms of support that can help employees get back on track.

It’s important to approach these situations with empathy and understanding, while also maintaining a focus on workplace safety and productivity. By taking the time to provide this kind of support, employers can create a more positive work environment where employees feel valued and supported. At the same time, it’s crucial for employers to maintain appropriate boundaries when dealing with employee issues. This means respecting privacy concerns while also ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to safeguard workplace safety.

 

Preserving Productivity and Reputation

By providing reasonable suspicion training to employees, employers can ensure that their staff members understand the importance of being alert for any signs of drug or alcohol use in the workplace. This will help prevent accidents caused by impaired workers which could damage company property or lead to injuries. Moreover, if an employee does test positive for drugs or alcohol during a reasonable suspicion test, it shows that the employer has taken appropriate measures to keep their workforce safe. This indicates a commitment to ensuring high standards of professionalism and responsibility within the organization which helps preserve its reputation.

Furthermore, having policies in place regarding substance abuse at work and following through with those policies when necessary provides a clear message about what is expected from all employees. It creates an environment where everyone knows what they should do if they suspect someone under the influence at work while also protecting them from retaliation when reporting such concerns.

Reasonable suspicion training can provide numerous benefits to your organization by helping to identify potential issues before they escalate, ensuring legal compliance, promoting consistent and fair practices, providing employee support and assistance, and preserving productivity and reputation. By investing in reasonable suspicion training for your employees, you will not only protect your business but also ensure that your employees feel safe and valued. A well-trained workforce can help create a positive work environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.

Sturdy Support: The Safety Advantages of Renting a Scaffold Tower

Construction sites, maintenance tasks, and DIY projects that require reaching elevated areas require adequate support for working safely. The height aspect of these jobs often makes working on scaffolds or platforms a necessity. In such cases, it is crucial to ensure that the scaffold or platform is stable, sturdy, and secure. Scaffold towers are an indispensable tool for individuals or businesses that have to work at height and need a stable support system.

Renting a scaffold tower is a cost-effective option, particularly if the work is not a regular occurrence or for short-term use. While some may opt to purchase scaffold towers outright, renting them makes sense in many situations. Apart from saving money, it also ensures that the scaffolding is always up-to-date with the latest safety standards. It also eliminates the hassle of storage and maintenance. This blog post will highlight the safety advantages of renting a scaffold tower.

Increased Safety for Workers and Bystanders

Scaffolding is a temporary structure used as a support system in construction, maintenance, and repair work. Renting a scaffold tower rather than purchasing one outright offers many advantages. One of the most significant benefits is increased safety for workers and bystanders. Scaffold towers provide a stable and secure working platform for workers who need to access parts of a building or structure that are high up.

This makes it much safer for workers to do their job, especially with the addition of guardrails, braces, and other safety features. The sturdy support provided by a rented scaffold tower also reduces the chances of accidents causing injury to bystanders below, making the worksite safer for everyone involved.

Increased Visibility of the Working Area

Unlike ladders or other similar equipment, scaffold towers offer a wider platform that allows for a larger area to be worked on, which in turn significantly improves the line of sight. This level of visibility ensures that all employees on the site are able to see where their colleagues are working, plus monitor any potential hazards or issues that may arise during the job. Due to the extra space provided by a scaffold tower, it’s much easier to keep materials, tools, and equipment organized, which means fewer tripping hazards and safer working conditions overall.

Reduced Risk of Slips, Trips, or Falls

A scaffold tower provides a sturdy, stable, and elevated work platform that can help prevent accidents and injuries. With a scaffold tower, workers can easily access hard-to-reach areas without the need for ladders or unstable makeshift platforms. This reduces the risk of slips, trips, or falls, which are common causes of workplace injuries. Additionally, scaffold towers are designed with safety features such as guardrails and non-slip surfaces, making them a safer choice for working at heights.

Higher Accuracy in Completing the Task at Hand

One of the most important advantages is higher accuracy in completing the task at hand. With a scaffold tower, workers have easy access to perform tasks at a comfortable height, which improves their accuracy and productivity. This is especially crucial when performing jobs that require precision and attention to detail, such as painting, plastering, or installing fixtures. The sturdy support provided by a scaffold tower ensures that workers can maintain their balance and work without any unnecessary movement or sway, allowing them to focus solely on the task at hand and achieve the high-quality results expected by both clients and employers.

Reduced Risk of Injury Due to Overextension

One of the significant safety advantages of renting a scaffold tower is the reduced risk of injury due to overextension. When working at a height, overreaching or stretching too far is a common problem faced by workers. It can result in loss of balance or a fall, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. With the sturdy support and increased stability provided by scaffold towers, workers can perform their tasks safely without the need for overextension.

Ability to Adapt to Different Heights and Angles Easily

One of the benefits of a scaffold tower is its ability to adapt to different heights and angles easily. Scaffolds can be configured to reach various heights, making them a practical solution for working in areas that are too high to access safely with a ladder. Additionally, scaffold towers can be adjusted at different angles to accommodate different tasks, providing a versatile support structure that is suitable for various job requirements. This adaptability allows for the efficient completion of tasks by providing a platform that is secure, reliable, and customized to the specific need of the job.

In Conclusion

Renting a scaffold tower provides a safe and sturdy support solution for a variety of projects and working environments. It offers several advantages over traditional ladders, including increased stability, versatile adjustability, and a wider span. When used correctly, scaffold towers can significantly reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries. Renting a scaffold tower can also be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing one, especially for smaller-scale jobs. So, next time you have a project that requires working at heights, consider the safety benefits of renting a scaffold tower.

Tech Review – Switchbot indoor home security system

Home security is a must have be it indoor or outdoors and yet I hear today so called security experts stating there is no need at all for indoor security cameras. That is a topic at hand for another day should any security expert want to challenge me on that you can certainly fire away but I feel I will be left waiting the same way I was left reeling hering such on our airwaves more than once and is simply a pathetic comment to make.

The Switchbot indoor setup comes in several packages tailored for your needs or you can customise your own they have several bundles on offer or you can make it your own which is cool but do check out the bundles they have and not only that they are amongst the cheapest out there today and while I say cheap I have tried and tested these and avoid the cheap offerings you tend to see on Facebook that will rope you into subscription plans and below par cameras.

In our setup we have a motion sensor and window sensor on the camera side we have a 1080p pan and tilt a 2K pan and tilt and an indoor camera so i strategically place these around the home and at any entry points I seen where the could be a breach so to speak given I do have an external set up around the perimeter of my house

There is an app for these and no hub required unlike the old days when you did need a hub but you can use one if you like as they have hubs available but the less things plugged in the better these days and we just went on without one and all worked well.. Check out the app below but we have a good detailed video review below to check out what you can do in the app and the features included which is plenty I might add.

With the cameras you are in control and full control it is best to get an SD card to store locally on the device which you can then see on your smartphone or tablet these also work with Google and Alexa for those interested and can be put onto you home hubs if you wish. in the app you have so many settings to pick from which we go into detail with in the video review below but in short this setup is excellent and simple to use an navigate even for a novice there is many parameters you can pick from or customise in the app and overall for me as a whole the system is well thought out and you can get going in literally minutes.

Let’s look at the products we have tried out which give real time notifications but it must be noted you need good WiFi and lag latency can be an issue with any home security package similar and is an issue for me despite having a good plan and speed regardless what my network tells me and handing over my actual speeds and we all know how it works there and on how many other devices are connected to your hub.

With all cameras there is two way audio screen shot/photo capture, pinch to zoom, quality of image and video options, zone detection, recording on the spot and much more..

SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Cam 2K

SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Cam 2K features a high-resolution lens module, with an f2.0 aperture lens and now offers approximately 50% more pixels when videoing. This means picture quality is now clearer and colors are more transparent and natural.Upgraded auto-tracking supports horizontal and vertical movement. Compared to the previous generation, the tracking range is expanded by nearly 77%. It automatically tracks and records video whenever someone enters a home as you will see in the video. You can choose to have Pan/Tilt Cam 2K patrol specific areas at certain times of the day to allow you to focus more on the places that matter to you most.

 

 

SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Cam 1080p

When using the Pan and Tilt feature our camera can swivel from left to right and is able to tilt up and down enabling you to be able to view your entire room. You can also set 6 favorite key focal points and then simply select one to automatically pan over to the position you have set making it even easier to check specific areas on the fly. Equipped with a 1080p 2-megapixel f2.0 aperture camera, SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Cam is able to let more light in. Making images more detailed, and ensuring better results in any lighting conditions. When SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Cam detects movement, you’ll be able to automatically start tracking and recording whatever is in its sight, making sure you never miss a thing. And you’ll be able to view everything using our app via your smartphone for even more convenience.

SwitchBot Sensor Combo

Contact sensor with a detection range of up to 16.4 ft (5m), 90° horizontally, and 55° vertically

Get notifications around the clock

Sensor can detect body movement across a wider area range of up to 30 ft, at an angle of up to 110° horizontally, and 55° vertically A light sensor inside that can be used to detect what kind of light environment your surroundings are in.

SwitchBot Indoor Cam 1080p
SwitchBot Indoor Camera can help monitor your home 24 hours a day and can alert you when something unexpected happens. You can also live stream to your camera anytime, anywhere (supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks only). And with night vision, 1080p HD resolution, and 130º Wide angle lens you’ll be able to see everything in front of you clearer than ever before. You can customize your own detection zones to set just exactly where SwitchBot Indoor Cam should be watching when sending alerts, making it easier to focus more on the areas at home that matter most.
Important note 
SwitchBot Indoor Cam uses high-level encryption technology to ensure your data is protected with the highest security so that no one else can access it. Your recorded data is stored in the cloud even if your device is offline (via a monthly cloud service). We also use GDPR and CCPA certifications to make sure that your user data is better protected.
Check out the video for more below and for me this is easy to recommend and would even consider changing my entire setup to this. So all we need now from them is a video doorbell. One thing I would like to see going forward is not having plugs for all the cameras and go wireless but other than that you should look into their stuff as it is good value and works well.

First look – Switchbot indoor home security package

SwitchBot is passionate team dedicated to building products that help enrich people’s lives by making the world around us more interactive, fun, and accessible and they are conscious that sometimes completely re-fitting a home with smart products is neither economically viable, nor is it great for the environment and their mission is the fill this void and offer products that are made for people from all walks of life, across the world, one SwitchBot at a time.

Switchbot is not new for those who have not heard of them either in fact we reviewed some of their products in the past and rather than bin old stuff they can change it with tech or upcycle it which is great and the company has been around since 2016 and their product portfolio has grown to give your house a full overhaul inside and out having the latest features on board to making this a very good ecosystem to look at should you be in need to change things around, I prefer to have one ecosystem in house but due to my work it is hard to do and having multiple apps is a pain controlling your home.

This setup here is for inside your home and I have heard so called Irish security experts on radio stating it is pointless having indoor security in your house which is utter rubbish as indoor cameras can serve in well in several instances such as keeping an eye on pets your elderly relatives and more.

Today we take a look at the set-up we have been sent to check out and stay tuned for more to come from the company and if you have any questions feel free to ask and again if you have any concerns regarding security in your home or need advice please ask.

Check out the entire switchbot range here.

Unboxing Video

Bolt to ramp up regional ebike schemes and trial rider safety score initiative

Bolt, the European mobility champion, is adding additional electric bikes to each of its regional schemes in anticipation of demand this Spring and Summer. Sligo and Kilkenny will benefit from 30 additional electric bikes each, bringing the total in each town to 100 and 80 respectively.

Bolt Operations Manager for Rentals in Ireland, John Buckley, said, “We have been thrilled by the success of our shared electric bike schemes in Sligo and Kilkenny. Our team at Bolt assesses a location, we agree on a max number of bikes with its Local Authority, and we gradually ramp up supply based on how riders, pedestrians, and other road users become accustomed to the scheme. This allows for controlled and responsible operations. With the additional parking bays in place, Sligo and Kilkenny are ready for the final tranche of electric bikes. Since launching in the summer of 2022, over 120,000 KM has been travelled on our Electric Bikes across our locations and, with additional schemes to come in 2023, we hope to reach 300,000 KM by the end of the year.”

Bolt surveyed electric bike users in Sligo and Kilkenny that opted for this sustainable mode of transport over cars and found that the shared scheme has saved 16,913 km of car trips in Ireland to date, approximately 1,765 kg of CO2.

Each town has successfully utilised over 40 designated parking bays thanks to town councils and local businesses that recognised the demand for infrastructure. To ensure the continued growth of the schemes, 10 more parking bays have been earmarked for each town.

Sligo Councillor Marie Casserly said, “This initiative is so positive for Sligo town. The feedback has been universally positive from locals and visitors alike. To see these bikes being used so often is heartening. It also shows that Sligo County Council take our Active Travel and Climate Action plan responsibilities seriously and we are all playing our part.

There is a positive progressive image with the inclusion of the Bolt electric bike scheme.”

Gerard Moore, Director and General Manager of Sligo Park Hotel said, “We are thrilled with the news that Bolt bicycles are increasing the number of bicycles in Sligo up to its full complement of 100. The bicycles have been used and are being used by our guests and employees and the feedback has been fantastic. We’re delighted to be associated with Bolt and Sligo County Council on this initiative.”

Bolt has previously earmarked up to €5m in its bid to roll out electric bike operations across Irish cities and towns with up to 2000 bikes available to deploy immediately as required. The European Mobility Champion recently announced upcoming launches of shared electric bike schemes in Bray and Wexford.

The Government recently committed to promoting e-mobility solutions in cities and towns and will be relying on such schemes to provide essential alternatives for commuters as Demand Management solutions are considered in the coming year.

Tech Review – X-Sense Wireless heat alarm XH02-W

Want an easy piece of kit to protect your home garage or shed well this is it and cost effective too with no expertise to set-up required at all and a ten year battery life the X-Sense heat alarm is where it is at. This can be placed literally anywhere in the home garage or shed and you will have peace of mind and if you have part of their ecosystem even better.

You just need to drill two small holes and use the fittings provided or you can use adhesive pads which is better in my view which is what we did to save drilling any holes and again can be moved elsewhere is required, then you attach the base then screw on the main unit clockwise and the job is done it literally cant be any easier.

There is no access to the app here which is my only issue unless you have more of their product range so if the alarm does go off you would need to be nearby or perhaps a neighbour could let you know as it is a loud siren at 85db. After that it is just leave it sit there and do its job and we have tested several times to ensure it does work and it does every time and it is seen in the video review below. As we had only one unit to test we had to base our review on that alone but if you have several if one goes off they all will sound of their alarms which is a good thing.

Features 

  • Class A1 Heat Alarm for Fast Fire Detection: This heat alarm is equipped with an ultra-sensitive NTC thermistor that accurately detects a sudden rise in temperature or static temperatures between 129°F (54°C) and 149°F (65°C); it is not triggered by smoke, dust or cooking fumes, saving you from the nuisance of constantly having to turn off alarms
  • Wide Coverage & Comprehensive Home Protection: By interconnecting it to up to other 24 X-Sense Link+ series alarms, you can create a wireless home safety network throughout your entire house; when one alarm is triggered, all devices will sound an alarm, giving an early alert to everyone in the home
  • Compliant with Scottish Regulations: CE-marked and powered by a sealed battery with a 10-year lifespan, this heat alarm is designed to be wirelessly interlinked with our X-Sense Link+ series which includes smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and combination alarms, making it suitable for any home in Scotland
  • 10-Year Lithium Battery: In addition to being tamper-proof, this alarm’s built-in 10-year sealed lithium battery has a low power consumption, saving you the trouble of having to regularly change the battery; your home will be protected 24/7 with the X-Sense heat alarm, even in case of a power outage
  • Loud 85 dB Sound: During a fire, this heat alarm will deliver an 85 dB alarm tone within a distance of 10 feet (3 m), loud enough to be heard by anyone in your family, giving you more time to either put out the fire or escape to safety
  • Large Test/Silence Button: This alarm’s Test/Silence button allows you to silence any non-threatening alarms or low battery warnings and test the unit’s functionality; it can also be operated by the X-Sense remote control (sold separately) without the need for a ladder to actually press the button on the unit
  • Easy Installation and Setup: This interconnected heat alarm requires no wiring and can be installed on any wall or ceiling in a few minutes, simply by using adhesive pads (not included) or the accessories provided; ideal for areas where standard smoke alarms cannot be installed, such as attics, garages, kitchens, basements and more

BUY

Video