Swiftmile and the Miami Parking Authority (MPA) are launching a network of charging stations to power and organise electric scooters from the US city's micromobility operators.
MPA CEO Alejandra Argudin says: “This collaboration is aimed at harnessing the power of technology to create a more sustainable city environment with lower emissions, less noise pollution and reduced traffic congestion.”
Swiftmile has already installed its mobility hubs throughout Brickell and Downtown Miami and will deploy a total of 25 this month at MPA properties.
By the end of 2022, Swiftmile is aiming to deliver more than 100 hubs across to accommodate more than 800 vehicles.
Miami re-launched its e-scooter programme in February with a focus on safety and reducing clutter on pavements.
Swiftmile says its network of hubs will help the city address these priorities by offering a space for riders to charge and park vehicles, enabling them to keep streets clear and ensure a fully-charged battery for the next rider.
Miami city commissioner Ken Russell says: “I believe in e-scooters as a viable transportation alternative, but in order for it to succeed, we must balance easy access to micromobility with organised hubs that help keep the sidewalks clear for pedestrians. By inviting Swiftmile to our city, we are one step closer to unlocking a future that does not require daily personal car use.”
The hubs will be equipped with solar panels that charge e-scooters with clean, renewable energy.
Each hub will be equipped with a digital screen, which Swiftmile insists generates revenue for the authority by displaying adverts from local businesses and national brands, alongside public service announcements and real-time transit information.
These screens will help to support both the return of local businesses activity and of public transit ridership as Miami recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic, the company adds.
Swiftmile's hubs have already been deployed in cities, including Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C and Berlin.
The company is also exploring partnerships to adapt to shared mobility trends, such as the rise in electric mopeds and the demand for solar-powered infrastructure.
