Global micromobility provider Segway has introduced a new ChargeLock Station that incorporates charging and locking from a single connector cable.
The station and patent-pending cable design has been developed in partnership with Metro Mobility, a US-based provider of urban mobility services.
Just plugging the ChargeLock cable into one of Segway’s shared vehicles will end a rental, lock the vehicle to the station and begin charging.
These simple but secure cables enable scooters, e-bikes, and future light electric vehicle designs to share the same stations, providing an easy user experience.
Operator pain points
When operators are out in the field they often have to grapple with issues such as limited battery life, inefficient charging processes and the constant need for re-balancing the fleet to meet user demand.
It is these pain points that Segway and Metro Mobility are looking to address by combining charging and locking all in one station.
Paving the way to profitability
The simple design of ChargeLock also comes at a fraction of the cost of competing docking stations, enabling operators to experiment and scale.
With just four touch points on the ground, ChargeLock Station can be installed on any surface, including grass or gravel and does not require a flat poured concrete pad.
“ChargeLock stations cost much less than other charging stations because we don’t include a redundant kiosk or terminal,” Metro Mobility Co-Founder David Montague told Zag Daily. “Everyone has a smart phone in their pocket, so there is no need. Just like a Tesla Supercharger station that does not require a kiosk, our ChargeLock stations don’t have them either. And that means big savings!”.
The affordability angle is important as operators often face substantial overhead costs associated with charging their fleets, while the dockless rental model which allows users to leave vehicles wherever they choose can sometimes result in vehicles blocking pavements, being thrown into rivers, and angering residents and lawmakers.
Given the recent removal of free-floating scooters in Paris and more cities mandating docks and designated parking areas for micromobility, ChargeLock is designed to offer a cost-effective solution to meet these regulations, organise fleets and improve unit economics.
“With the launch of ChargeLock Station, we are redefining the shared micromobility landscape,” Tony Ho, VP of Robotics and Micromobility Business Development at Segway, told Zag Daily. “This innovative technology not only addresses critical challenges faced by cities and operators but also enhances user experience, making shared micromobility a more convenient and reliable transportation option.”
