Third e-scooter operator to debut despite tepid interest
A third operator for e-scooter sharing services — PopScoot — hopes to share a slice of the pie by touting itself as the first to use a Bluetooth application-based unlocking system. PHOTO: PopScoot
SINGAPORE — There may have been lukewarm interest from the public for e-scooter sharing services, but a third operator will still be making its mobility devices available for rent in the Central Business District (CBD).
Joining the likes of Telepod and Neuron Mobility, Singapore-based firm PopScoot touts itself as the first to use a Bluetooth application-based unlocking system, which allows smartphone users to release e-scooters from docking stations when they need a ride. Tourists, as well as office and delivery workers, are among the targeted users.
PopScoot will have its soft launch later this week, with pilot docks set up at six locations: ManuLife Centre in the Bras Basah district, Republic Plaza in Raffles Place, Tiong Bahru Plaza, City Square Mall in Little India, as well as Liang Court and Central Mall near Clarke Quay. A ride will cost S$2 for 30 minutes, with charges for the first 10 minutes waived for now.
Mr Kelvin Emmanuel Ng, chief marketing officer of PopScoot, told TODAY the firm is hoping users would take advantage of this grace period to learn the basics of e-scooting. Most cyclists would take about five to 10 minutes to get used to manoeuvring an e-scooter, he said, while others would “need more time”.
When approached by TODAY, office workers in the CBD area said that they have little interest in such services, because it takes time to get the hang of using an e-scooter. Even if they know how to use one, there is hardly enough space for a smooth journey, especially during peak hours.
Mr Gregg Lewis, 32, a business development director, said: “There are still going to be crowds ... so you might as well just walk. The number of pedestrians on the walkways just negates that factor of being able to go faster. It’s like driving a Ferrari in a place like Jakarta.”
Mr Lewis, who has his own personal e-scooter, advised: “If you don’t own an e-scooter yourself and haven’t had a test-drive, you probably wouldn’t want to jump on one of those for the first time. It took me a few sessions (of using my own e-scooter) before I was very confident.” He suggested that e-scooters be docked in areas “with less footfall”, such as private housing estates in the heartlands, which would make more sense.
Ms Sil Shah, 26, a business development specialist, commented that avoiding e-scooter riders on crowded walkways in the CBD is “quite annoying”, and she would be “uncomfortable” subjecting others to the same experience, so she would not use one.
Among the middle-aged, factors such as safety and the hassle of dealing with mobile apps also play a part in keeping riders at bay. Mr Bernard Wong, 45, who works in the banking sector, claimed that he is “too old” to use an e-scooter and they are better suited for “youngsters”, because the probability of “falling down and embarrassing (himself)” is very high.
In terms of convenience, Ms Mag Ng, 36, an executive administrator, pointed out that the need to return and dock the e-scooters at designated locations is a deterrent for her to use one.
For now, there is an e-scooter station in the CBD by Telepod, located at the Marina One building near Downtown MRT Station. Its next two nearest docks are at Suntec Convention Centre and Bugis Duo, which are 2.5km and 3.7km away respectively.
Speaking to TODAY, Telepod co-founder Louis Goh said office workers can expect more Telepod stations within the CBD area soon, but declined to provide more details.
PopScoot said depending on the response after its soft launch, it may set up a dockless system next month, which will allow users to park and lock the e-scooters anywhere.
