The UCD Energy Institute is working with Irish micromobility operator Zipp Mobility to develop accessory technologies to make electric scooters safer in urban environments.
The Institute is a hub of energy education, research, demonstration and outreach at University College Dublin (UCD).
A team from the UCD School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering will work with the UCD Energy Institute’s IELab to upgrade Zipp e-scooters with smart noisemaking and lighting features to ensure they can be seen and heard more clearly.
Dr Paul Cuffe, UCD Energy Institute, says: “Electric scooters can be rather quiet and inconspicuous, 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.”
Professor Andrew Keane, director, UCD Energy Institute says: “Choice around low carbon modes of transport will play a big role in reducing emissions from energy use. This collaboration with Zipp strongly aligns with the UCD Energy Institute’s strategy to deliver research supporting a net zero energy system in 2050, with transport being an area of increasing focus.”
The institute says Zipp has raised €2.1 million from investors since it was established in 2019 and operates in the UK and Poland.
The scooter company plans to launch in several Irish cities next year, including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. It also plans to begin operations in Portugal and Spain during 2022.
Zipp founder Charlie Gleeson says: “When we launch our service in Ireland next year, we want it to be as safe as possible and this research follows on from feedback received from our existing customers in the UK and Poland.”
