Neuron Mobility, an electric scooter startup from Singapore that holds patents for its own scooter called Neuron 3, will extend its footprint Australia.
The company is bringing 600 personal mobility devices to Brisbane, saying that this will make it the city’s largest electric scooter fleet. The total number of scooters allowed on Brisbane’s streets will be capped at 1,000.
Neuron already operates in Singapore, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Cyberjaya, and had started a trial in the Australian city of Darwin in April.
Electric scooters, which riders stand up on, are a form of mobility that’s becoming increasingly popular in some cities. They’re meant for “last-mile” travel to cover short distances and considered an environmentally sustainable option for urban commuters.
However, their safety is still questionable. Not long ago, a rider in Brisbane died after crashing while riding a scooter from Neuron competitor Lime.
The city has tried to tighten rules around electric scooters and invited companies to participate in a tender process. As a result, Neuron Mobility was awarded its 600 units in Brisbane, while Lime’s fleet was reduced to 400.