Electric scooter giant Superpedestrian says that it will expand its rental service into new locations and upgrade machines to feature an advanced new 'Defence System' to protect both riders and pedestrians.
The American firm recently expanded into the UK after taking over the Nottingham e-scooter rental service that had previously been provided by Wind Mobility.
Superpedestrian launched its Link scooter in 2020, which it claims is the 'Volvo of e-scooters' because of its number of safety features. The firm is aiming to launch Link scooters fitted with its new Pedestrian Defense safety system in 25 cities across the US and Europe after securing its largest-ever funding round of £93 million ($125 million).
Superpedestrian’s system uses AI-based software to collect data from multiple sensors built into the scooter. The sensors then send information to the scooter's onboard Vehicle Intelligence system to help the rider take real-time action.
The firm claims its system is safer than ones used on other platforms, stating that it is able to more precisely detect vehicle position and a much wider range of unsafe riding behaviour, and can intervene automatically to slow or stop an e-scooter in real-time.
After successfully testing Pedestrian Defense over recent months, the system will now be integrated into Superpedestrian’s Link e-scooter fleet, which already operates in 57 cities across Europe and the US.
Jean Andrews, Superpedestrian's UK and Ireland policy director, said: “Link is the only e-scooter available today with the technological capacity to run the Pedestrian Defense system.
“This funding will strengthen our position as a world-leader in the next generation of safety technologies that safeguard riders, communities and the environment.”
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