Segway-Ninebot has just shipped the first batch of its newest Urban B100 e-bike to an operator in Asia.
The micromobility suppliers existing e-bike models – the Urban Series A200 and A200P – are extremely popular and have been purchased by shared operators like TIER, Dott, Helbiz, Spin and Fenix to name a few.
As the micromobility market evolves, Zag Daily takes a closer look at how one of the market-leading software and hardware providers responds to city expectations and consumer demands.
Design and use case
Designed for urban commutes, the B100 e-bike is Segway’s lightest, simplest and most compact e-bike yet.
With a 250w motor, the e-bike can go up to 25km/h and has a maximum range of 70km on a single charge.
Despite weighing less than 30 kilograms, it can offer four times the load capacity at 120 kilograms.
The colour scheme, wheel reflectors and branding are highly customisable to give operators the opportunity to personalise their fleet, while meeting various market demands.
“Segway’s novel Urban B100 e-bike design is all about simplicity, user-friendliness and giving the rider control, making it perfect for city commuters,” says Alan Zhao, Director of the Commercial Mobility Business Division at Segway-Ninebot.
Simple and intelligent dashboard
The B100 features an intelligent dashboard that shows the riding status for users “in a more direct fashion”, said the firm.
There are three zone indicators – no-riding zone, no-parking zone and slow-riding zone – to give specific visual cues on the user’s location.
Other functions include a Bluetooth icon, headlight and battery-level indicators, and a speedometer.
It also comes equipped with a ring-shaped status light with 360-degree visibility. This makes the e-bike brighter than ever to keep riders safe from cars, particularly at night.
Clean and green
The e-bike boasts a swappable and chargeable battery that is compatible with Segway’s next-generation scooter.
This reduces manufacturing costs and speeds up the maintenance side as operators only have to service one type of battery. It is energy-saving, pre-installed and has a handle with easy-takeout capabilities.
Smart IoT technology
Segway’s IoT module improves connectivity and provides precise positioning of the e-bike.
The module means the vehicle can even be detected in urban canyons, underground passages and tunnels, according to the firm.
With geofencing capabilities, data is stored onboard and response times occur within seconds.
The IoT also contains multi-language audio cues that give riders clearer and more accurate voice messages, so that the e-bike can be used in different countries.
Operators looking for alternative ways to generate revenue can take advantage of the broadcasting advertisement opportunity available through the audio settings.
Furthermore, a flexible design means additional peripheral senses can be added to measure humidity and air quality.
Lock and dock
To prevent thefts, Segway’s tech allows users to remotely lock and unlock the e-bike, while the wheel hub can be automatically locked when a trip has ended.
Once locked, if the e-bike is illegally moved, the IoT module will sound an alarm. The locks hold an IPX7 waterproof rating, and as an additional preventative measure, real time GPS tracking is available so any e-bike can be traced.
