micromobilitybiz Delivering news updates to the micromobility industry, focusing on e-bikes, e-scooters and green transport
Micromobility provider Bolt has launched its 2022 safety report.
The company registered over five times more rides in 2021 in comparison to 2020, while decreasing its injury ratio by 26%. The increase in rides is a result of launching scooter operations in new markets as well as promoting micromobility as a more sustainable and convenient way of moving around a city.
Bolt has pushed for improving scooter safety standards, managing to reduce the accidents ratio per one million kilometres by 12% in 2021 compared to 2020. In 2021 10.92 accidents happened every one million kilometres, in comparison to 2020, when 12.45 accidents occurred per one million kilometres.
The number of injuries registered per one million kilometres dropped by 26% in 2021 to 5.95, compared to 8.07 injuries in 2020.
Markus Villig, CEO at Bolt, said: “The report showcases the key safety developments in our e-scooter business over the last year which will stimulate further thinking about how we can revolutionise urban transportation systems to be more safe and sustainable for everybody.”
In 2021, Bolt launched a patent pending tandem riding prevention system aimed at stopping two users from riding the same scooter at the same time. The company has also introduced a cognitive reaction test that discourages users from taking a Bolt scooter for a ride while intoxicated.
Among numerous safety features currently under development, Bolt’s engineers are working on a skid braking detection system that will stop users from reckless riding or violent braking while on the scooter.
The new safety solutions are an added layer to the functionalities that Bolt has been offering for years, such as the in-app option that limits scooter maximum speed for new riders. Bolt is also educating customers on safe behaviour through local safety events organised across Europe and by promoting its safety toolkit.
Dmitri Pivovarov, VP for rentals at Bolt, said: “We have a multi-layered approach when we think of safety. Hardware or software features don’t do much by themselves if we don’t work with cities to identify risk areas. Another layer to our safety is raising customer awareness of what is potentially risky behaviour.
“Scooters are new for many people, so we want to build up understanding on safely using scooters through in-app notifications and other online resources. Our last line of defence is our insurance policy that we have put in place to make sure that users and pedestrians are covered in case of accidents resulting in damage or injury.”
In 2022, the company released its AI parking feature, which analyses photos taken by users when they finish a scooter ride and provides feedback on their parking. Correctly parked scooters translate into safer streets for both scooter riders and other road users, including people that have various impairments. The solution is now being scaled to markets across Europe.
The full 2022 Bolt scooters safety report is available here.
