Micromobility company Dott, one of the London e-scooter trial operators, has announced a range of steps to ensure e-scooters are safer for those with disabilities.
As part of the company’s aim to provide the “safest rides for everyone” it is introducing a series of initiatives including pavement sensor and detection technology, an incentivised safety programme and smart parking GPS features.
Its See.Sense technology can identify changes in road surfaces and erratic riding. By developing this solution, Dott aims to protect the safety of its users and ensure riders adhere to the rules of the road.
In line with its London launch, Dott released its incentivised safety program ‘smooth rider club’, allowing riders to earn points towards discounted rides for completing online or in-location rider safety courses.
The micromobility operator is also working to educating riders to park correctly in designated bays. Photo enforcement has been added to its app, this has ensured 97% parking compliance amongst riders in its European markets.
Additionally, Dott will be part of a research project in association with The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). This project aims to create a distinctive sound that can be easily recognised by people with visual impairments. It has funded a study with the University of Salford on the audible detection system.
First sound files, created and tested in lab conditions will be completed by the end of July and will be deployable for further testing in London later this summer.
Dott’s UK general manager, Duncan Robertson, said: “Safety is non-negotiable for riders and non-riders alike and Dott has been dedicated to a responsible transport approach from the very beginning.”
