Monday, 23 June 2025
28.1 C
Singapore
29.3 C
Thailand
21.2 C
Indonesia
27.5 C
Philippines

In brief: Startups Tortoise and Swiftmile are merging their tech to solve scooter chaos

Sidewalk congestion is a significant pain point for cities, and fully charged scooters for riders are not guaranteed. Those are the two main selling points of micro-mobility docking startup Swiftmile and remote-controlled scooter repositioning startup Tortoise.  Today, both companies announced a partnership to solve those problems. Swiftmile offers the ideal destination and origin for repositioning. […]
  • Sidewalk congestion is a significant pain point for cities, and fully charged scooters for riders are not guaranteed. Those are the two main selling points of micro-mobility docking startup Swiftmile and remote-controlled scooter repositioning startup Tortoise
  • Today, both companies announced a partnership to solve those problems.
  • Swiftmile offers the ideal destination and origin for repositioning. So, riders can have the experience that dockless enables, leave the scooter wherever their destination is, and use Tortoise to drive to the nearest Swiftmile station to dock and charge.
  • Swiftmile has already deployed hundreds of its charging stations across cities like Austin and Berlin. Later this month, the startup will deploy a Spin-branded dock in San Francisco. 
  • Swiftmile charges scooter operators by the minute, but not to exceed a certain amount, depending on the market it operates in. Initially, the docking system will be open to all the operators to show them how it works and how beneficial it can be. After a certain period, Swiftmile will only charge its customers’ scooters.
  • Tortoise, launched in October, does not make any scooters. Instead, Tortoise sells its software to customers, which need to install about US$100 worth of equipment on each scooter to run its software. That includes two phone cameras, a piece of radar, a processor, and a motor. If it’s a two-wheeled vehicle, Tortoise needs the addition of robotic training wheels. All of this is included in the reference design Tortoise provides to operators.
  • Given the volume of micro-mobility operators in the space today, Tortoise aims to make it easier for these companies to more strategically deploy their respective vehicles and reposition them when needed. 

Hot this week

Smart Communications launches cloud-native archiving platform SmartHUB

Smart Communications launches SmartHUB, a cloud-native archiving solution that boosts compliance, scalability, and access to critical customer data.

Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Travel Pad review: A compact charging solution for your travel needs

A foldable, travel-ready charging pad that powers your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once with fast Qi2 wireless charging.

Amazon gives away free games ahead of Prime Day 2025

Amazon is offering a wide range of free games for Prime members ahead of Prime Day 2025, including Tomb Raider and Saints Row.

Amazon says AI will reduce corporate jobs in the future

Amazon's CEO says AI will reduce some corporate roles while creating others, but there is no clear estimate of how many jobs will be affected.

The future of work navigating technological transformations

Explore how technology, remote work, AI, and reskilling are shaping the future of work, driving innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth.

How Asia’s innovation is reshaping the global economy

Asia is becoming a global innovation powerhouse, driving sustainable growth through AI, clean energy, and deep tech ecosystems.

Adobe launches LLM Optimizer as AI replaces search engines in content discovery

Adobe unveils LLM Optimizer to help brands appear in AI chats like ChatGPT as AI becomes the new way people discover and shop.

Rising Chinese PC brand iSoftStone is on track to overtake Apple and HP

Due to fast growth in the education and gaming sectors, Chinese PC maker iSoftStone is set to overtake Apple and HP in China.

The Blood of Dawnwalker lets you step into a dark, vampire-filled world

Explore the dark world of The Blood of Dawnwalker, a vampire RPG set in 14th-century Europe that will be released for PC and consoles in 2026.

Related Articles

Popular Categories