Scooters And One Wheels

Eire’s first e-scooter take a look at begins at Dublin Metropolis College

July 22, 2021

by Christopher Carey

Ireland’s first e-scooter test started at Dublin City University (DCU). The project aims to test new safety standards as the Irish government pushes the legalization of micro-mobility devices on public roads.

The pilot project – coordinated by Smart DCU and Insight, the Irish research center for data analysis – will test 30 TIER e-scooters with Luna computer vision technology and AI models. The system can detect pedestrians and what surface or lane the scooter is driving on to prevent them from being used on footpaths.

Plans for the test were originally announced in April, with the e-scooters reaching the five DCU campuses this week.

“This is such an important research pilot for TIER in Ireland and we are delighted to have launched this study across the five campuses of Dublin City University,” said Fred Jones, TIER Regional General Manager for Northern Europe.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for in-depth research into smart city applications of e-scooters and a modal shift as we’re partnering with Luna and Insight to help the university reduce its carbon footprint and create a more sustainable, safer advance and Offer follow-up – miles public transport solution. We hope to be able to apply all the findings from the project to future TIER operations in Ireland. “

The scooters will also be used to study the TIER Energy Network’s battery swap scheme and the impact on the commuting behavior of DCU students and staff.

Legislation required

“Ireland is a real leader in the use of e-scooters and I am really looking forward to seeing this pilot take off on the DCU campus,” said Hildegarde Naughton, Secretary of State for the Irish Department of Transport.

“This is an interesting and exciting time in transport – the innovation and dynamism can be felt here today. It is now my job and the government’s job to do our part in promoting the necessary legislation for the safe use of e-scooters in Ireland. “

Ireland is one of the few countries in Europe that doesn’t have specific legislation on the use of e-scooters, and critics have urged the government to speed up adoption, especially as traffic levels return to pre-pandemic levels.

In February 2019, the government approved the bill, but the bill has yet to be discussed.

Several other e-scooter companies, including Zeus, Zipp, Dott, Bleeper, Bolt, and Bird, have shown interest in rolling out services once the legislation is passed.

PICTURED: ANIMAL

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