Shared EV provider Lime has unveiled new safety technology designed to reduce incidents and collisions for its e-scooter riders.
The safety protocols come with the new Lime Vision platform, which the operator claims is the sector’s first in-house AI-enabled computer-vision platform.
Initial deployment will focus on e-scooters being ridden on pavements, specifically through use of ‘advanced sidewalk detection’ technology.
The safety measure has been designed to use cameras and AI image detection to differentiate between surfaces, with Lime claiming it can detect pavement usage in less than a second.
The e-scooter accordingly gives off a noise alert and slows its speed to avoid collisions with pedestrians.
The aim of the feature is to encourage users to ride in cycle lanes instead.
Read more: Lime launches Gen-4 e-bikes in London
Lime has also unveiled a feature that tests rider reaction time to prevent drinking and riding. In markets where it is deployed, it will be mandatory for any user to complete a test before the scooter is unlocked.
The firm plans to run pilots of the technology in Paris and other chosen locations around the world.
“Lime Vision doubles down on our commitment to building vertically-integrated hardware and software as we aim to provide the safest possible service to cities and our riders,” said Joe Kraus, president at Lime.
“We’re excited about this transformative array of safety measures, particularly advanced sidewalk detection supported by Lime Vision, which will set a new standard for the industry.
Read more: Lime opens pop-up ‘helmet hair salon’ for road safety
“Building this in-house means we can integrate Lime Vision into our hardware, constantly refine the technology through learnings from our global operations, and scale Lime Vision to new cities with ease.”
Lime Vision will be informed with data from the more than 250 cities, with Lime’s in-house development team maintaining full oversight.
The technology has been designed to consider the needs of riders and cities, but also non-riders. Lime said its goal is to provide confidence in e-scooters as safe modes of transport.
