E-scooters have much smaller wheels than cars and bicycles, meaning that they are more vulnerable to potholes and other forms of road damage. It is hoped that this initiative could record pothole positions and boost the safety of riders.
Dott fitted sensors to some of its rental e-scooters used in London, collecting road surface data during 1,800 rides covering more than 2,000 miles (3,200 km) over a 10-week trial. The sensors, which were provided by cycling tech company See.Sense, detect road roughness and changes in the behaviour of riders, such as extreme braking and swerving. Sudden movements by riders indicate that they are travelling on an uneven surface.
Dangerous areas identified during the trial have been shared with local authorities responsible for maintaining those roads.
“Quality infrastructure is key to helping users of micro-mobility feel safe whilst on the road,” said Dott co-founder Maxim Romain. “The results of this new trial, in partnership...