European micromobility operator Dott, and Omni, a French vehicle adaptation solution provider, have announced the co-development of an e-scooter adapted for wheelchair users.
The first prototype, named the OmniTrotter, was recently tested in Paris, with larger experiments planned for the area by the end of 2022.
Start-up Omni was awarded the Grand Prix of the Lépine competition in 2021 for its e-scooter adaptation solution.
Its partnership with Dott supports shared objectives to provide a publicly-accessible adapted fleet for wheelchair users.
The two companies have collaborated to adapt Dott’s e-scooters for wheelchair users, with modifications including the lowering of handlebars to suit height and comfort levels and modifying the speed controller for a slower start.
Public transport often requires considerable assistance for wheelchair users, with ill-equipped services causing major mobility issues.
Dott covers 55% of the rental fee for 30 OmniTrotters across Paris and other parts of France, which it claims can remove a financial barrier for some users.
Nicolas Gorse, VP of operations at Dott and general manager at Dott France, said: “This partnership is particularly important for us at Dott.
“Firstly, because we have been working with Omni for over a year now and we are delighted to finally demonstrate this stage of our partnership.
“Secondly, because our mission is to make mobility accessible to as many people as possible.
“With the OmniTrotter, we allow people with reduced mobility to move around more easily in their daily lives.
“The feedback we received from the first users of the long-term rental programme is encouraging and exciting.
“People who were forced to use their car even for short distances can now use the Dott/Omni pack to commute.
“With the prototype presented today, we want to move forward and propose an adapted self-service fleet in Paris by the end of the year.”
Following some adaptations, Omni and Dott plan to deploy a fleet of 10 scooters in Paris before the end of 2022.
