E-scooter operator Tier has given 15 e-scooters in London what the firm is terming an upgraded e-scooter “brain”. The ‘Parrot’ package of sensors and software has been put together to combat drunk riding and inconsiderate parking, among other things.
“This technology has been developed in-house by Tier to deliver improved vehicle positioning, geo-fencing and connectivity,” said a spokesperson. “The new features of our e-scooter brains include sensors, stronger processing power and 4G capability.”
One of the most striking additions is a new test designed to prevent drunk riding.
The test asks would-be riders to match the angle of their phone with an angle displayed on a screen. If the person passes three tests within the allotted time frame, they will be able to take an e-scooter and if they fail, they’ll be encouraged to use an alternative mode of transport.
The firm has also added a Safety Pricing feature which means riders aren’t charged when the vehicle is stationary during a trip. This is intended to discourage reckless riding like running red lights.
On top of this, Parrot will bring greater geo-fencing accuracy and a reduction in e-scooters’ reaction times.
Tier implements various reduced speed zones where scooters will automatically slow below their normal maximum speed. They say the updates should mean less lag when this happens with no false triggering when riders are near the edge of a zone.
This should also result in greater parking accuracy.
