Tag: zeus

ZEUS Urges Irish Government to Put Safety First in E-Scooter Regulations

In a bid to foster innovation and prioritise safety, Ireland’s only homegrown eScooter micromobility company, ZEUS Scooters, has been at the forefront of discussions with industry and the Irish government regarding proposed regulations that may inadvertently hinder progress.

ZEUS, who currently operates in more than 60 cities in Europe and the UK, has diligently communicated concerns about the government’s intention to impose a weight limit of 25kg on e-scooters. Unfortunately, it appears that a crucial misinterpretation by the Irish government of the EU’s motor insurance directive has occurred, leading to a potentially stifling restriction rather than an incentivised safety measure.

“ZEUS stands as a champion for safety and innovation in the e-scooter industry. Our commitment to providing a secure and reliable mode of transportation is reflected in the exceptional safety record of our 3-wheeled scooter, proven to be significantly safer than the European average for 2-wheeled shared scooters,” says Damian Young, CEO of ZEUS Scooters.

Contrary to the EU directive, which merely requires insurance for e-scooters exceeding 25kg, the Irish government’s current approach risks excluding a multitude of cutting-edge e-scooter models that prioritise durability and incorporate new technologies. ZEUS operates a 3-wheeled scooter that, by design, exceeds the 25kg limit due to its enhanced sturdiness and safety features.

“Our 3-wheeled scooters are not just a mode of transportation; they represent a commitment to safety, durability, and technological advancement. We urge Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and the Irish government to reconsider these restrictive regulations. By embracing sturdier scooter designs, we can create a safer environment for riders while unlocking the economic benefits that the e-scooter industry promises for Ireland,” adds Young.

Incident reporting demonstrates that ZEUS’ 3-wheeled scooter is verified to be significantly safer than the European average for 2-wheeled shared scooters. This outstanding safety record emphasises the need for a more nuanced approach to regulations that considers the inherent safety benefits associated with sturdier scooter designs.

Moreover, these regulations threaten to impede Ireland from reaping the rewards of a swiftly expanding industry, one poised to generate employment opportunities nationwide and invigorate foot traffic in city and town centres. Numerous studies have underlined the positive impact of e-scooter adoption on local businesses, making them an indispensable component of urban mobility solutions.

ZEUS calls on the Irish government to prioritise safety over arbitrary weight limits and to embrace the technological advancements that make e-scooters not only safer but also more resilient. By doing so, Ireland can position itself as a leader in fostering innovation, supporting local economies, and ensuring the continued growth of the e-scooter industry.

The team at ZEUS remains committed to working collaboratively with the government and City and Town Councils to find a balanced approach that considers both safety and the potential for economic growth. Together, we can create an environment that encourages innovation, job creation, and the development of a sustainable and safe e-scooter ecosystem for all.

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 22nd November.

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. 

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.

Zeus Scooters Acquires Zipp Mobility

Zeus Scooters, a leading Irish mobility company, today announced that it has acquired Zipp Mobility, an Irish shared e-scooter and e-bike service provider, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition will enable Zeus to continue to expand its reach into the Irish and UK markets and follows-on from its acquisition last year of UK-based scooter-sharing operator, Zwings.

The acquisition brings together two of the most innovative and customer-focused e-scooter companies in Europe and creates Ireland’s largest homegrown micromobility company.

Zeus, headquartered in Carlow, was founded by Damian Young in 2019. The company began an e-scooter sharing service in Germany in 2020 and since then it has expanded rapidly across Europe and Asia.

Zipp, headquartered at NovaUCD in Dublin, was founded by Charlie Gleeson in 2019. Since then the company has launched e-scooter and e-bike services in 9 locations across Ireland, the UK and Poland.

With this latest acquisition Zeus is now operating in over 50 locations across 9 (Croatia, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, Sweden and UK) countries. The combined Irish business of Zeus will now have 50 employees and all Zipp staff are being kept on.

Damian Young, CEO and Founder, Zeus, said, “With today’s announcement we are proud to be expanding Zeus’ commitment to offer an affordable, customer-focused mobility solution that places sustainability and rider safety first. We have been very impressed with what Zipp has achieved over the past number of years and are very excited to bring the Zipp team and expertise under the Zeus umbrella.  This acquisition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both teams, and we look forward to bringing our industry-leading safety features to even more customers.”

He added, “We are also creating regional employment across Ireland in anticipation of new legislation for the Irish micromobility sector, while also further expanding Zeus new markets in the UK.”

Charlie Gleeson, CEO and Founder, Zipp Mobility said, “We are delighted to be able to share the news that Zipp has been acquired by Zeus. In essence, we are two companies who share the same core mission and values, to make our cities more accessible to all, through affordable and sustainable modes of transport. I am very proud of what both companies have achieved individually, but I am more excited for what we can achieve together as the leading micromobility company in Ireland.”

Ronan Garvey, Chief Product Officer, Zeus, said, “Zeus and Zipp are deeply committed to providing high-quality, reliable and affordable transportation options globally. The acquisition of Zipp puts us in an even stronger position to meet the evolving needs of customers across its markets.”

Zeus Scooters and Zipp Mobility have been supported by Enterprise Ireland.