E-scooter sharing startup Lime signs MOU with Asian Detours to promote safe riding

IN a bid to promote the safe use of e-scooters, e-scooter sharing startup Lime has signed a memorandum of understanding with Asian Detours, a Land Transport Authority (LTA)-appointed facilitator of the Safe Riding Programme (SRP) in Singapore.

The SRP is a national level initiative aimed at equipping cyclists and personal mobility device users with the knowledge and skills to ride safely and co-exist with other commuters. Under the MOU, Lime and Asian Detours will launch joint educational, marketing and promotional initiatives to drive public interest and participation in the SRP.

To kick-start the collaboration, Asian Detours will be integrated into the Lime app, and users will be encouraged to attend the SRP through incentives such as promo codes and giveaways.

To comply with LTA's latest e-scooter safety standards, Lime is also currently developing a new e-scooter to be presented in Singapore within the next quarter. The firm's e-scooters are all produced in-house.

The Lime-S Generation 3.0 will be UL2272 certified and meet the strictest standards in fire safety, the company told BT.

The scooter will also feature several improvements over its current iteration, including having bigger wheels, a two-sided front wheel suspension, multi-modal braking and built-in sensor detection to ensure that riders are parking in areas approved by the city. On top of new safety features, the new scooter is also more durable, has a longer battery life and a more advanced colour display screen.

Separately, Lime is also working on technology that can detect if a rider is riding on the street or the sidewalk, in order to ensure that riders are abiding by local riding laws.

Ashwin Purushottam, general manager of Lime Singapore, said: "Lime is committed not just to the safety of our riders, but all riders as we move towards a car-lite, eco-friendly future. Asian Detours is an ideal partner in this venture, both as a trusted, government-endorsed vendor with great experience in this space and as an organisation that shares our vision for rider and pedestrian safety.

"They have already provided us with incredible insights into safety dynamics in Singapore, and we are eager to see how this collaboration will transform local road safety as we continue on our mission to prioritise safe riding across Singapore."