This weekDottunveiled an experiment to sendbad escooter ridersback to school.
Specifically, second-time offenders receive a fine from Dott and a guide to parking and local rules.
A third violation invites them to attend a compulsory and free driving course in Autumn 2022.
I spoke to Rob Haycocks, Head of PR Communications at Dott.
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I think this gets to the crux of the issue.
How do micromobility operators prevent, reduce, and respond to bad riding?
SuperpedestrianandLimeuse AI to detect sidewalk riding and other bad behavior, alerting riders audibly and slowing the escooter.
Lime is also rolling out a late-night rider test for alcohol.
It tests riders on their reaction times before they can unlock an escooter.
In most instances (besides the UK), theyve been hugely absent from the bad rider narrative.
Who polices private riders?
And, theres no way to slow down or stop a private escooter in operation.
But this offers no incentive for private riders to use a parking zone.
But almost every city has multiple vendors.
Successful behavioural controls must extend across all fleets.
Otherwise, people fined in one app will simply jump on the escooter of a competing brand.
Who are bad riders?
However, no micromobility provider has publicly shared the demographics of bad offenders.
And we have no demographic data on private owners.
Although nighttime speed controls and cognitive tests point to the problem of drunk riders speeding at night.
But are people riding escooters after a night of drinking because theres inadequate public transport after dark?
Its hard to say, despite the narrative around scooters and their critical role in last mile mobility.
Women also cited the danger of riding into slow zones with unexpected deceleration.
This means that not all controls affect all riders equally.
Micromobility providers are united in trying a combination of carrot and stick approaches to managing rider behaviour.
And as for the fuckwits who willfully ride badly for the fun of it?
If it could be made mandatory by law enforcement, Dotts rider school might just be the key.
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin.
