Tips to choose the right scooter for sharing
Editor’s note: Cityscoot is not just an app ! Unlike many other new digital startups, we handle a physical connected object (the scooter). Our user experience is both digital through the app, and physical through the scooter. This is a clear source of complexity but also what makes our business unique and the challenges exciting!
Free-floating service vehicle fleets have become common nowadays. Despite this, this type of business can be very risky if you don’t choose the vehicle carefully.
What is the definition of an exploitable scooter and how do you choose it?
The perfect scooter must be safe for users and profitable for the company (robustness, repairability…). The profitability of a vehicle depends on various factors, including availability and location but the hardware stays one of the most important parts of your business
To choose the right vehicle, you may consider these factors.
1. Batteries
On average, a vehicle becomes profitable for the company after severals trips per day, a trip typically lasts 15 minutes and covers 4 km each.
To cover this need, batteries are the most important part. Not only do batteries represent 40% of the vehicle’s price, but they are also the heart of the micro mobility sharing business. The inherent maintenance costs of the vehicle, battery swapping, business charges, etc… are costs that must be covered by a minimum number of rides.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that the vehicle is able to cover a maximum number of rides in a day. Each of these rides consumes energy and, depending on outdoor temperatures, this directly impacts the range and, ultimately, the availability of the vehicle.
This may seem obvious, but in reality, the price of batteries being significant, we tend to prefer a cheaper scooter (with low batteries) in order to reach the break-even point more quickly. This is a not a profitable calculation, it is important to prioritize range because the human costs associated with battery swapping are very important and run throughout the life of the vehicle.
Another important detail, during intensive use, batteries lose range over time. All the more reason to pay particular attention to their range and the number of cycles they can withstand.
Battery swapping is a manual, difficult and tiring work. Make sure to choose a scooter whose battery does not exceed 10kg if it needs to be lifted/handled, even if you have several. In addition, they must be easily accessible by your staff. A battery at ground level, for example, is not suitable for handling.
In addition, these batteries will be regularly placed on the ground, with more or less delicacy. Make sure that the batteries can withstand the shock and can be placed on the ground.
Finally, these batteries must connect easily to the scooter. If it takes more than 3 seconds to connect, this can be problematic in the long term.
Important detail, if several batteries are integrated into the scooter, they must be discharged sequentially and not in parallel. This will allow you to change one battery instead of two if the opportunity arises.
Last thing, batteries are worth a lot of money and they are vulnerable. Thousands of batteries are stolen every year and free-service fleets are a favorite target for thieves.
Make sure the trunk locks securely to protect/deter theft.
2. Durability
Free-floating vehicles frequently fall, particularly when stopped. Be careful to choose a vehicle that can withstand shocks. Plan to reinforce the vehicle at the sides and handlebar.
In order to have a profitable scooter, it is important to consider the wear parts of the scooter and consumables.
Start by checking that the wear parts are easily available and standard because you will need them.
It is important that these wear parts are easily accessible and easily exchangeable, otherwise it will be a financial pitfall.
In the same way, prioritize a scooter whose engine is in the wheel, this avoids having to regularly change transmission belts and their sprockets.
Finally, be careful that the various parts of the scooter are not too prone to vandalism. For example, the screen must not be easily disassembled. If the engine is in the wheel, include security nuts. Choose a scooter whose cables are not too visible.
3. Reparability
Your fleet will need maintenance very regularly. Before acquiring a fleet of scooters, start by studying the reparability of the scooter. Time how long it will take your technicians to repair/replace the most vulnerable parts. The same goes for consumables, a technician must be able to replace them very quickly.
Having a scooter shipped back to the workshop is very expensive. If the city council allows it, it is preferable to carry out minor repairs on site. If possible, it is better to choose a scooter whose size is compatible with repairs in a van. If the scooter is well designed, some parts can be changed directly in the street. This will make the vehicle more quickly available to your users and you will save a lot of money.
As mentioned above, it is better to prioritize vehicles where most parts are standard in order to ensure a sufficient stock of spare parts for your operation and regular resupply.
4. Technology
Telematics
Naturally, to operate a fleet of scooters, they must be connected to the network. Several standards exist in the market. Once again, check that the scooter is equipped with a standard box. At worst, add a standard box to it. These boxes are well known to the fleet management software solutions available on the market and you will save valuable time.
To optimize your communication with the vehicle, prefer a 4G or, if possible, 5G box that relies on specific protocols for IoT such as LTE cat and MQTT.
Sensors
Pay attention to the vehicle’s sensors. In addition to standard sensors, you will need other important sensors for operation such as helmet sensors, stand sensors, closed saddle sensors, topcase sensors… etc. Do not neglect this part as it gives you control over your fleet. If sensors are missing, have them installed at the factory. Make sure these sensors are not easily bypassed. The weight sensor for the helmet, for example, is a bad idea, it will be very easily fooled.
5. Versatility
Free-floating trips are short. It is not necessary to have the most comfortable or powerful scooter in the world. It is just necessary to have a practical vehicle, adapted to the city in which it is operated.
A concrete example: if the city has many hills, be careful to choose an engine able to climb the hills.
Choose a scooter that is not too heavy, not too big, not too cumbersome. They will be easier to lean, more comfortable to drive through traffic, and easier to park.
The lighter your vehicle is, the less damage will be done when it falls.
In addition, the lighter and more practical it is, the more inclined the female population will be to use it.
Finally, all that matters to the user is a clean, reliable vehicle that provides maximum safety. For the 4 km they have to travel, that will be enough.
6. Exclusivity
In the best of worlds, the vehicle you choose will be exclusive to your business. First of all, this allows you to stand out and make your vehicles visible in the city. But it also allows you to avoid the theft of spare parts for well-meaning individuals who come to take them to replace parts on their own vehicle.
In conclusion, it is important to take into account many factors when choosing a scooter for a free-floating vehicle fleet. Battery range and lifespan are crucial elements, as well as the ease of repair and replacement of wear parts. Connectivity and telematics technology must also be considered, as well as the robustness and versatility of the vehicle. Finally, exclusivity can be an advantage in standing out in the market and protecting the parts of your fleet. By taking into account these factors, you will be able to choose a scooter suitable for your free-floating micro-mobility business.
