Swifty Scooters is one of four British companies to be awarded share of funding totalling £1.1mn to support the research and development of zero emission vehicle technologies. Funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) and supported by Innovate UK, the ‘Production Readiness Competition’ is delivered by the Niche Vehicle Network (NVN) with support from Cenex.
Despite the UK’s stance regarding permitting electric scooters on UK roads, Swifty have demonstrated the significance of their innovative design in their winning bid.
“In the current context, it’s vitally important that we enable more people to make clean and low-cost journeys. We’re delighted to finally have the recognition of the importance of our electric scooter design - we are confident that our new vehicle will raise the bar in terms of safety within the industry.” Camilla Iftakhar, Co-founder, Swifty Scooters
Swifty’s new electric scooters will be among other competition winners, Maeving electric motorcycles, Callum Designs EV and Ariel Motor All-Terrain Vehicle, creating an exciting and diverse display of British innovative companies working towards a Net Zero future.
“These Production Readiness projects play an important role in developing the UK low volume EV supply chain, creating that not only benefit the projects but also the wider niche vehicle sector.” Scott Thompson, Programme Manager, Niche Vehicle Network.
An Electric Scooter Optimised for Superior Rider Safety
The question of scooter safety is probably the main concern within the public sphere. The negative reporting by the press continues to perpetuate people’s safety concerns making it difficult for regulators to make any decisive move. Meanwhile, the industry produces a vast array of differentiated models and designs, and the technology is advancing quickly.
The new electric scooter that is soon to be unveiled by Swifty is designed for road and cycle-lane riding, and will incorporate the tried and tested Swifty geometry which boasts superior stability and control. It will feature Swifty’s signature 16 inch wheels, front and rear suspension, disk brakes, and a safe battery and charging system will be incorporated.
"By collaborating with a UK battery specialist PMBL, we aim to utilise the latest battery chemistry LFP (also known as LiFePO4 or Lithium Ferro Phosphate). LFP batteries operate at a lower temperature and are more inherently safe than regular Lithium-ion batteries. They also do not contain cobalt, which we know is a problematic industry.” Jason Iftakhar, Co-founder, Swifty Scooters
Swifty remain pragmatic in their design approach, advocating the need for regulation in a comprehensive safety standard that build on existing standards of the e-bike industry, plus the need for users to obtain insurance. However, it is unlikely that the UK regulations will permit e-scooters (apart from on private land) by the time the new vehicle enters the market in April 2024. The founders remain positive that UK regulations will be inclusive of these new technologies in the efforts to reach Net Zero.
Swifty’s new vehicle demonstrates that safety and e-scooters can go hand in hand and are looking to export markets to unveil their design.
Best Electric Scooter for Adults to be Unveiled in the USA
Swifty Scooters will be revealing their new design at the Micromobility Industries Show in San Fransisco in October. Swifty Scooters has pioneered the adult kick-scooter market with their high-quality and uniquely foldable designs since their inception in 2010.
With a focus on accessible transport for short-distance travel, the new model promises to push the capabilities of the new mode with their high-quality design. Founder Jason Iftakhar has described the new scooter as Swifty's best electric scooter to date.
“Riding a safe and stable scooter optimises the rider experience. The thrill of riding electric, standing up is an unbeatable feeling. The handling and control of our design we believe is industry leading. We’re confident our customers will love the feeling as much as we do.” Jason Iftakhar, Co-founder, Swifty Scooters
They are looking forward to releasing more details to their community in the coming weeks.
