Irish micromobility operator Zipp Mobility, which is based at UCD, has partnered with the UCD Energy Institute to develop technologies to make e-scooters safer in urban environments.
Dr Paul Cuffe of UCD Energy Institute pointed out that electric scooters can be quiet - and pedestrians may not always be aware that they are approaching.
"In this research collaboration we will work with Zipp to upgrade their e-scooters with smart noisemaking and lighting features, so they are visually and audibly more noticeable," he explained.
Since its establishment in 2019, Zipp has raised €2.1 million from investors and has become a significant player in the European scooter-sharing market with operations in the UK and Poland.
Next year the company said it plans to launch in several Irish cities including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.
Zipp also plans to begin operations in Portugal and Spain during 2022.
Charlie Gleeson, CEO and founder, Zipp Mobility said they want their scooters to be as safe as possible ahead of launching a service in Ireland.
"This partnership reaffirms our commitment to safety and our commitment to R&D activities in Ireland," he said.
