Irish smart scooter technology company Luna and US based company JUMPWatts have announced a project to find a solution to the escalating problem of e-scooters being in the wrong location relative to user demand and discarded scooters cluttering footpaths. The companies are to work together on a pilot in the Smart DCU Campus in the Republic of Ireland.
The trial will be a real-world test for JUMPWatts’ ‘Virtual Valet’ technologies that allows an e-scooter to right itself if tipped-over, remotely re-position itself to a designated parking zone, and move when summoned to a specific location. Luna provides computer vision solutions to tackle common issues associated with e-scooter rental schemes, such as footpath riding, pedestrian collision, and improper parking.
Through the combination of the two companies’ technologies, it is envisaged that the adoption of shared e-scooter schemes will accelerate greatly by solving many of the safety and governance issues identified by city authorities across the globe.
The companies believe combining their technologies will make not only make fleet operations more cost effective for operators but will also make dockless micromobility more attractive to cities.
Additionally fleets enabled by the technology will be able to collect Smart City data ranging from road condition monitoring and crowd analytics to traffic congestion alerts and curbside management applications. The joint technologies will be tested in partnership with Smart DCU, a District of Smart Dublin. Smart Dublin is an initiative founded by Dublin’s four local authorities to trial and scale innovative mobility solutions.
Andrew Fleury, co-founder & CEO, Luna says, “We are very excited to announce our collaboration with JUMPWatts. We are both working towards similar goals of addressing safety solutions for electric scooters and the issue of e-scooter footpath clutter is one that is currently hampering numerous cities and towns across the world.”
Arun Gunasekaran, co-founder & CEO, JUMPWatts adds, “The micromobility space is ripe for innovations that not only improve the bottom line for fleet operators, but also create a better experience for users and municipalities. Our vehicle enhancement technology is a way to increase profitability and decrease chaos in the streets. Virtual Valet technology can be retrofitted to enhance existing fleets or designed into new vehicles, leading to a 95% reduction in sidewalk nuisances and up to 40% increase in fleet profitability.”
