Video: Electric moped sharing comes to Auckland

Electric moped sharing is being launched in Auckland on November 14 through Kiwi company Kwikli.

It has a pilot fleet in the Takapuna and Devonport areas with plans to spread through Auckland and other cities during the next few months. The pilot is supported by The Smales Farm Group, which wants to offer innovative mobility options for its residents.

Part of a new wave of innovative ridesharing services, Kwikli has a fleet of connected e-mopeds ready in Auckland which can be found and booked using an app.

It targets people who want to beat traffic and congestion, as well as get around the city in a new and innovative fashion.

Congestion here means Kiwis are facing severe mobility challenges, Kwikli chief executive officer Rushabh Trivedy says. “Traffic jams, lack of parking spaces, bus replacement services, lack of connected public transport options, parking meters – these are just some of the issues that cause New Zealanders never-ending stress, frustration and a loss of quality time.”

The e-moped service is offered as an alternative to other e-scooter models appearing in New Zealand.

Critical of some safety aspects around e-scooters, Trivedy says e-mopeds are not for footpath use.

Kwikli ensures each e-moped comes with a helmet for user safety. And although not mandatory by law, Kwikli will also provide high-visibility vests and hygiene caps.

The e-mopeds are used on the roads, including bus and transit lanes, but cannot be ridden on motorways due to their 50km/h maximum speed.

They are designed with an extensive sensor system and intelligence, starting from display design and replaceable batteries.

“We are proud to be the first to bring e-moped sharing to New Zealand”, Trivedy says.

Kwikli has a simple flat-rate charging model. Users pay $2 to unlock the e-moped, and 35c per minute to use it.

The app can be downloaded for iOS and Android.

Customers must be at least 18 years of age to use the e-mopeds, on the condition that they have a valid car or motorcycle driving licence. User details are verified within minutes with the rider ready to go.

Users don’t have to worry about recharging as the Kwikli team will ensure each e-moped has a sufficiently charged battery.

New riders are offered free introduction courses.

The Kwikli team is considering alternative investment options from local networks. It says the e-mopeds are a flexible and affordable alternative to cars, especially for the last mile.

Kwikli will be at Big Boys Toys in Auckland on November 16-18.

For more information click here