Neuron is always working to improve our safety and accessibility features. Following our Ottawa launch in June, we have now begun a Canadian-first trial designed to test the impact of an always-on Warning Noise in 30 e-scooters to help alert pedestrians that an e-scooter is approaching. The Audio Vehicle Alert System is particularly targeted toward those with vision loss, and will further support a safe pedestrian environment and riding experience for all. 

We worked closely with accessibility groups and the vision loss community to develop this trial, which will take place in Ottawa’s Little Italy neighbourhood. As part of the testing phase, we will survey riders, pedestrians, and the wider community to determine effectiveness. Neuron also welcomes feedback from the accessibility community as we continue to prioritise safety in everything we do. 

Some of the other safety features you can find on our e-scooters include: 

• • The “safety orange” colour which provides high-visibility particularly in an urban environment

  • Topple detection, which alerts Neuron’s operations team if an e-scooter has fallen who then prioritise it and reposition it safely 

  • Geofencing Control, which allows cities to implement slow-zones, no-go zones, no-parking zones and to incentivise parking in preferred areas

  • A bilingual Voice Guidance audio feature on the e-scooter that not only gives safety instructions to the rider but also advises pedestrians on how to contact Neuron’s customer service team

  • Braille and raised lettering, to identify the e-scooter and provide information on how to contact Neuron’s customer service team

  • ‘End of Trip’ photo, a feature which requires and incentivises riders to take and submit a photo of their parked e-scooter after each ride

The first of our 250-strong fleet of our ‘safety-orange’ e-scooters have landed in British Columbia, and are now available to ride on the streets of Vernon. By partnering with the City of Vernon, our e-scooters will provide locals with a safe, convenient and socially-distanced way to travel. Neuron’s e-bikes will also be launched later this year.

Our micromobility options are proven to replace car trips, reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, which will help Vernon meet its Climate Action Plan goals. To aid the city’s recovery, free monthly passes are also available during the first month of operation for Public Health and Emergency Service workers, redeemable through the app using an applicable work email address. 

Riders will benefit from a range of world-first safety features and pioneering innovations including: the world’s first app-controlled helmet lock which secures a helmet to every e-scooter in between trips; topple detection; a 911 emergency button; voice guidance to educate and warn riders on how to ride safely; and a ‘Follow my Ride’ function. Geofencing technology will be used to control where e-scooters can be ridden and parked, and how fast they can travel. Our e-scooters are also fitted with a unique license plate for easy identification and to promote responsible use.

Riders are able to book and use the e-scooters through our app, with trips costing C$1.15 to unlock the e-scooter and 35 cents per minute thereafter. Our frequent users can also purchase Neuron Passes, available in three-day (C$25), weekly (C$33), or monthly (C$89) options. The pass enables users to ride as many times as they want for up to 90 minutes per day, resulting in savings of up to 95%.

See you in Vernon and remember to #ScootSafe!