A New Dockless Moped Sharing Service Has Landed in Auckland
Ten e-mopeds launched at five hubs in Takapuna and Devonport over the weekend.
First there were the pedal-powered Onzos, then the widely publicised fleet of electric Lime scooters. Now, joining Auckland's booming dockless transportation lineup is a company flaunting a swarm of electric, road-worthy mopeds.
New Zealand-owned company Kwikli is responsible for the North Shore's new drop of e-mopeds. As part of a pilot program, ten mopeds launched at five hubs in Takapuna and Devonport over the weekend.
Like other dockless ride share services, the mopeds can be located and unlocked using an app. The Kwikli service is currently only available to Android users, though an iOS app is expected in the coming days. It will cost Aucklanders $2 to unlock a moped and 35 cents per minute of riding.
Each moped comes with a helmet, which riders are required to wear by law, and the storage unit of each vehicle contains a non-compulsory visibility vest and hygiene cap.
They have a top speed of 50kmph and can be used on the road and transit lanes. Unfortunately for keen riders on the city-side of the bridge, they can not be taken on the motorway. They also come with an R18 restriction and riders must hold a full car or motorbike licence.
Once riders have completed their journey the mopeds are required to be left at one of the registered motorcycle hubs. From there, a troupe of juicers keep track of the mopeds and ensure they are charged.
Kwikli chief executive Rushabh Trivedy told Stuff.co.nz the e-mopeds were aimed at people who wanted to beat traffic and congestion. "New Zealand's growing at a fast pace, and all the congestion means that Kiwis are facing severe mobility challenges," he said.
Auckland's fleet of Kwikli can be found at Smales Farm. The service is expected to spread across Auckland and other New Zealand cities in the coming months.
Source: Stuff.co.nz.