Is this the future of transport in busy urban areas in Ireland?
An Irish company is launching a new electric moped aimed at combatting traffic congestion as well as the effect of Co2 emissions, toxic gases and noise pollution.
This week, from 23-26 October, Lion Urban Mobility will stage its official company launch in Studio 39 in Dublin, where a number of the electric mopeds will be on display alongside interactive videos and pop-up information, while there will be an opportunity for members of the public to try out the mopeds for themselves.
The electric moped launched by the company has a range of 50-150 km per charge depending on the model. A removable lithium ion battery is charged using a normal three-pin plug, akin to charging a mobile phone.
It looks very similar to a petrol moped, it uses existing road infrastructure, it is fully registered and licensed and requires insurance.
Four models will be available, ranging in price from €2,500 (the U-Series) to €5,600 (the NGT); more information on the mopeds is available here.
The company is keen to distance its product from the type of “kick scooters” that have attracted media attention in recent times.
In a report published in August after concerns had been expressed over the safety and legality of e-scooters, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) recommended that moves should be made to make them legal on Irish roads, subject to certain criteria.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross subsequently announced the launch of a public consultation on Personal Powered Transporters (PPTs) – the most common of which are e-scooters. The consultation commenced on 1 September and will conclude on 1 November. More information is available here.
Lion describe themselves as an Irish-owned, smart mobility specialist determined to change the way people move across Irish cities, using clean, affordable and flexible modes of urban transportation.
“Individually and collectively we in Lion believe that the time to act on the global climate crisis is now. We want to effect positive social change in addressing this crisis and enable our customers to go on a sustainable journey with us,” reads a mission statement on the Lion website.
“In the end, what matters to us is making our cities a better place to live and work by reducing traffic, pollution and congestion. We aspire to create a sustainable business that will accelerate positive change in the world.”
Lion’s official company launch takes place in Studio 39 on Clanbrassil Street in Dublin from 23-26 October; for more information, check out Lion’s website.
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