Due to COVID-19 and social distancing norms, the UK government has been working on making transportation easier for the people without resorting to public transportation like buses and trains.
In an interesting leap forward, the UK government announced a year-long e-scooter trail with a set of rules and regulations. This move comes as a part of a strategy to explore less congested and greener methods of urban transport.
While the Swedish micro-mobility company Voi is preparing itself for launch in the UK market this summer, Zipp Mobility, its Irish counterpart is set to join the trial in the streets of the UK.
Green light for UK e-scooter trials
Zipp Mobility, a dockless scooter sharing company that aims to reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions has announced that the UK Department for Transport (DfT) has approved the company’s e-scooter model for use in trials across the UK.
“Receiving approval from the DfT is a hugely encouraging affirmation of what we are striving for at Zipp,” said Charlie Gleeson, CEO Zipp Mobility.
Right now, the company is working with various councils to secure e-scooter licences and provide a safer and more sustainable micro-mobility solution to commuters across the UK.
Will O’Brien, Head of Growth and Government Affairs, Zipp Mobility, said, “The approval of our scooter by the DfT brings us one step closer to our goal of providing world-class scooter-sharing service to cities in the UK. Cities need scooter-sharing now more than ever due to the impact COVID-19 is having on public transport.”
Nano-septic handlebar wraps, dual braking, safety and more
According to the company, the Zipp e-scooter has been carefully designed with safety in mind. The e-scooter features an aircraft-grade aluminium frame, 10-inch airless tyres, a swappable battery, dual braking, and a low centre of gravity.
The scooters are also equipped with nano-septic handlebar wraps that reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission by 99.98%.
Charlie Gleeson added “Not only does this confirm confidence in the safety of our e-scooter, but it also re-affirms that our bid for a more sustainable, responsible, and transparent approach to the industry is one that is being readily welcomed by authorities. The DfT approval demonstrates our readiness to help local governments respond to issues that have restrained the true potential of e-scooters as a means of future urban mobility.”
How to book Zipp e-scooters?
- Step 1: Download the Zipp e-scooter app from Google Play or App Store
- Step 2: Locate the nearest electric scooter using the app’s built-in GPS tracker!
- Step 3: Scan the QR code located on the scooter and ride to your destination!
Raised €300K seed funding
Founded by Charlie Gleeson in 2019, Zipp Mobility closed a €300K seed investment round back in June, led by a London-based VC and private angel investors.
Headquartered at NovaUCD, the Centre for New Ventures and Entrepreneurs at University College Dublin (UCD), the Zipp e-scooter has a useful life of over two years, compared to the estimated industry average of just three months, claims the company.
Charlie Gleeson concluded, “At Zipp, we have dedicated commitment to the circular economy which we believe is the way forward for the industry. As the UK now seeks to accelerate the adoption of e-scooters, it is a fantastic opportunity to ensure reduced congestion and sustainable operations are key considerations going forward. At Zipp, this starts with our robust e-scooter.”
Main image credits: Zipp Mobility