Wednesday, 3 December 2025
24.5 C
Singapore
22.5 C
Thailand
20.5 C
Indonesia
27.2 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

Singapore FinTech Festival marks its 10th edition with focus on future finance technologies

Singapore FinTech Festival marks its 10th edition with record participation and a focus on technologies shaping future finance.

ShopBack partners Singapore Tourism Board to boost travel rewards for Malaysians

ShopBack and the Singapore Tourism Board partner to offer Malaysians enhanced Cashback rewards and perks for travel to Singapore.

Battlefield 6 launches week-long free-to-play trial for new players

Battlefield 6 launches a week-long free trial with multiple playlists, map access, and progress carryover ahead of its Winter Offensive update.

Global mobile gaming ads surge in 2025 as AI and interactivity reshape engagement

Mobile gaming ads grew strongly in 2025 as AI-driven optimisation and interactive formats reshaped global user acquisition strategies.

Singapore consumers show growing interest in AI shopping companions

Research shows rising consumer interest in AI shopping agents in Singapore, with strong demand for cost savings and secure automation.

Samsung introduces Galaxy Tab A11+ with larger display, AI features, and long-term software support

Samsung launches the Galaxy Tab A11+, an affordable 11-inch tablet with AI tools, long battery life, and seven years of software support.

Solera highlights AI, sustainability and leadership at Insurtech Insights Asia

Solera showcases AI innovation, sustainability initiatives and leadership programmes at Insurtech Insights Asia in Hong Kong.

Macquarie Data Centres marks construction milestone for new 47MW Sydney facility

Macquarie Data Centres completes the structural phase of its 47MW IC3 Super West facility, set to boost Sydney’s AI and cloud capacity in 2026.

Singapore FinTech Festival marks its 10th edition with focus on future finance technologies

Singapore FinTech Festival marks its 10th edition with record participation and a focus on technologies shaping future finance.

Related Articles

Popular Categories