Irish start-up Zipp Mobility, has confirmed that the UK Department for Transport has approved the company's e-scooter model for use in trials across the UK.
The UK government recently announced plans to accelerate trials of rented e-scooter schemes as part of its strategy to explore less congested and greener methods of urban transport in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
All UK regions are now permitted to launch e-scooter sharing schemes, in partnership with scooter firms, such as Zipp Mobility.
The company is currently engaging with a number of councils to secure e-scooter licences.
The company said the Zipp e-scooter has been carefully designed with safety in mind, featuring an aircraft-grade aluminium frame, 10-inch airless tyres, a swappable battery, dual braking, a wide base and a low centre of gravity.
The scooters are also equipped with nano-septic handlebar wraps, that the company said reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission by 99.98%.
Zipp Mobility, founded by 24 year old Charlie Gleeson in 2019, is headquartered at the Centre for New Ventures and Entrepreneurs at University College Dublin.
"Receiving approval from the DfT is a hugely encouraging affirmation of what we are striving for at Zipp," said Charlie Gleeson, CEO, Zipp Mobility.
"Not only does this confirm confidence in the safety of our e-scooter, it also re-affirms that our bid for a more sustainable, responsible and transparent approach to the industry is one that is being readily welcomed by authorities. The DfT approval demonstrates our readiness to help local governments respond to issues that have restrained the true potential of e-scooters as a means of future urban mobility."He added,
In June Zipp Mobility closed a €300,000 seed investment round and expanded its team to target the UK e-scooter market.
This seed funding round was led by a London-based VC and private angel investors.
