Swedish e-scooter provider Voi Technology is collaborating with two UK start-ups to tackle the concerns of disabled road users regarding street clutter.
The partnership will integrate apps that help users identify where e-scooters are placed in real time, report any obstructions to Voi and take photos of poorly parked scooters.
Voi has partnered with CityMaaS, an organisation that uses machine-learning and data to create products and services that improve accessibility for those living with disabilities.
Voi’s API integration of the mobility map platform will allow CityMaaS to share the location of Voi e-scooters in its real-time travel information. The service is free for disabled people and enables users to report any scooters causing concern.
According to the partnership, the machine-learning platform can predict any missing accessibility data with an accuracy of 80%. This provides the community with crowd-sourced real-time travel information and helps to overcome travel obstacles in smart cities.
Furthermore, Voi will also trial London-based software platform Captur for photo evidence of misplaced e-scooters.
The start-up, backed by Google and Innovate UK, has developed a solution for rental and subscription-based businesses to help identify and resolve damage fast. It uses machine learning to automatically identify and prioritise issues.
The collaboration will enable anyone who finds a Voi e-scooter misplaced to report its exact location by scanning a QR code, located on the base of the scooter, and submit a photo.
Voi said the solution aims to improve local recovery operations as well as improve accessible parking creating safer streets.
Both integrations will begin in early 2021 and have been welcomed by Martyn Sibley, a tech entrepreneur with a disability. He said: “For too long disability has been about pity and sympathy. It is a pleasure to see these tech businesses collaborating to empower everyone with tools that can facilitate their daily lives, particularly when it comes to circulation in our towns and cities.”
