There are two main types of e-scooter operations – those with “free-floating” scooters and those that leverage docking stations.
There are advantages to both of these shared scooter operations. The Segway Max Series, made up of the Segway Max, Segway Max Pro and Segway Max Plus, can accommodate either free-floating or docking operations, meaning you can choose the type of electric scooter micro-mobility operation that fits your needs and community.
With that in mind, let’s dive into the pros of each kind of scooter-sharing business.
Free-Floating Shared Scooter Operations: Ultimate Flexibility
The benefits of free-floating scooters boil down to a central offering – flexibility.
Free-floating e-scooter operations offer:
- Tremendous Convenience:
Free-floating vehicles can move around an area of operation more easily, as they don’t have to be docked and exhibit fewer security features inhibiting grab-and-go functionality. - Minimal Investment:
Because there are no docks to purchase and deploy, free-floating e-scooter operations exhibit lower initial infrastructure investment costs. - Attractive to Riders:
The flexibility and convenience presented by e-scooters that can simply be started up and ridden makes them attractive to riders, who won’t have to worry about parking their vehicle at a specific point when their ride is over.
While these benefits are attractive, there are others associated with docking operations that can make that form of e-scooter business equally enticing.
Docking Stations for Micro-Mobility Operations and E-Scooters: Clean and Secure
As opposed to free-floating e-scooter operations, those that leverage docking stations offer more security and other benefits, such as:
- Reduced Charging Costs:
Docking stations eliminate operational costs related to charging, freeing up key dollars to be spent elsewhere. - Reduce “Scooter Litter”:
Because docking stations facilitate designated parking areas, the piles of e-scooters on city corners are a thing of the past. - Increased Security:
Docking stations and locking capabilities empower greater security against vandalism and theft compared to free-floating scenarios. - Attractive to Cities/Governments:
“Scooter litter,” theft and vandalism, and a lack of control are common concerns for cities and their governments in implementing shared scooter operations, and docking stations help address these valid concerns.
Segway Commercial and KNOT Show the Potential of Docking Stations
Segway Max Series e-scooters are compatible with both free-floating micro-mobility operations and with all major docking stations, meaning you’re empowered to choose the best option for your unique business and community.
KNOT recently launched the first docking station in Strasbourg, France and chose to leverage Segway Max Pro scooter, offering a glimpse at what’s possible in docking operations.
KNOT fit Segway Max Series scooters with a unique sleeve that empowers docking at KNOT stations. Stations are universal, so multiple models can be charged at the same time, at the same station.
Security is enhanced with both a locking mechanism that can resist up to four tons of direct effort, as well as integrated sensors that raise an immediate alarm when a docked scooter is shaken, tampered with, etc.
IoT integration allows for immediate unlock upon request, and optional RFID and NFC reader capabilities can empower corporate campuses or cities, themselves, to leverage scooters based on employee IDs and transport cards.
KNOT choosing to use Segway Max Series scooters is a tremendous example of the Max Series’ compatibility with all major docking platforms, a benefit that will see continued use around the globe.
To learn more, visit b2b.segway.com.
