Bolt Mobility Launches In-App Navigation for E-Scooters

Bolt Mobility Launches Integrated Navigation System

Bolt Mobility, the micromobility venture co-established by Olympic champion Usain Bolt, has unveiled a new in-app navigation system for its electric scooters, known as “MobilityOS.” This system is designed to enhance the rider experience.

To facilitate ease of use, the company’s latest scooter model, the “Bolt Two,” features a smartphone mount that also provides charging capabilities.

A Unique Feature in the Shared Scooter Market

The integration of a phone mount alongside in-app navigation represents a key differentiator within the competitive shared scooter landscape. It’s noteworthy that many shared e-scooters currently lack this feature, despite the prevalence of smartphone navigation in 2021.

However, some operators have expressed concerns to TechCrunch regarding rider safety, citing potential distractions at intersections and the costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged mounts in urban environments.

How MobilityOS Works

Bolt’s MobilityOS leverages map data from Google Maps, but the navigation functionality itself is developed internally. This allows for the implementation of city-specific geofences.

These geofences guide riders along bike lanes and steer them away from potentially hazardous, restricted, or heavily congested areas. A similar feature is also present in Spin’s application.

The system also incentivizes responsible parking behavior and promotes sidewalk cleanliness through designated “reward parking zones.”

Integrated Charging Capabilities

The mount on the Bolt Two scooters incorporates a built-in wireless smartphone charger. This charger draws power from the scooter’s swappable batteries.

According to the company, the impact of smartphone charging on the scooter’s overall battery life is considered to be “minimal.”

Rollout and Market Presence

Bolt Mobility currently operates in 33 cities, towns, and university campuses throughout the United States.

Both MobilityOS and the Bolt Two scooters are currently available in Miami, the company’s headquarters. The navigation system is scheduled to expand to other markets during the first quarter of the coming year.

New scooters will be deployed in both previously unannounced locations and existing markets as older scooter fleets are upgraded.

Competitive Landscape

Among its competitors, Voi, primarily operating in Europe, offers a phone mount. However, most other major players, including Veo, Spin, Lime, and Bird, do not.

Superpedestrian and Veo have indicated they are actively working on integrating phone holders into their fleets, while Lime is currently piloting them on its Gen4 Scooter in Stockholm before considering a wider global rollout.

Integration with Existing Navigation Apps

Lime, Spin, and Bird all offer integration with Google Maps, enabling users to locate e-scooters and plan vehicle-specific routes within the app.

Nevertheless, without a dedicated mount, many users will likely rely on headphones for navigation while keeping their smartphones securely stored in their pockets.