23 Jan 2024
In 2023, we joined forces with city councils, universities, and Vision Ireland (formerly NCBI) to create the Bolt Safety Academy.
The Academy helps students learn about responsible shared electric bike use. And with the legalisation of shared electric scooters expected soon, it also educates road users on engaging safely with light electric vehicles.
The first Academy was hosted in Sligo at Atlantic Technological University, with the support of Sligo County Council, Sligo Gardaí, and ATU Students’ Union.
Attendees could assess their knowledge with an online test about using and parking shared electric bikes safely in Sligo. The test content was developed with the VI (formerly the NCBI), ATU Sligo, ATU Students’ Union and Sligo County Council — demonstrating strong cross-industry collaboration.
Attendees could then put their knowledge into practice by cycling around campus with guidance from Sligo’s Community Garda team.
To encourage attendance, we rewarded those who completed the test with 20 minutes of free Bolt e-bike use (which could be used at a later date).
We also distributed free helmets that attendees could personalise at our creative stand.
“The ATU Sligo campus population is one of the biggest users of Bolt e-bikes in Sligo, so we want to ensure they do so safely and responsibly. Healthy Campus, along with ATU Sligo Students’ Union, were delighted to work with Bolt in the development of their Safety Academy and were honoured to have the team here at ATU Sligo for the launch. It’s crucial our campus population use Bolt e-bikes in a safe, responsible, and respectful manner, and I’d encourage our on-campus users to take part.” Yvonne Kennedy, Healthy Campus Coordinator ATU Sligo
Following the success of this first edition, another safety academy was hosted on the SETU campus in Carlow, with more scheduled for 2024.
The Bolt Safety Academy is the latest addition to a series of safety measures already in place.
Through in-app features and educational campaigns, our teams are continuously making light electric vehicle usage as safe as possible.
For those with no or little e-bike experience, Beginner Mode limits the maximum speed to 15 km/h (down from the usual 25 km/h).
From 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., our in-app-cognitive test ensures cyclists are in a fit state to cycle by testing their reaction time.
If they don’t pass the test, they can’t use the e-bike and will be encouraged to take another form of transport.
Bolt e-bikes have sensors to calculate if the bike’s used recklessly, recognising behaviours such as skidding or abrupt braking.
A user’s reckless rider score is evaluated every 5 rides. If it falls below a certain threshold, they’ll receive in-app educational materials, a mandatory lower speed, and a suspension for 1 week (with an option to dispute the decision through Customer Support).
Users who improve their habits and follow our Terms & Conditions will be able to cycle normally, without any conditions.
Bolt offers taxis on demand in Dublin and Cork and shared electric bike rental in Sligo, Kilkenny, Wexford, Bray, and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
We intend to roll out the Safety Academy to every location in which we operate.
“Sligo County Council have been impressed with the use of the Bolt e-bike scheme. This usage is contributing to a modal shift away from the private car, which is very positive in our endeavours to reduce emissions from transport. Sligo County Council welcomes the launch of the Safety Academy in conjunction with Bolt and ATU. This is a significant opportunity to promote safety and awareness, and encourage correct usage of the e-bike system.” Gerard Mullaney, Cathaoirleach, Cllr.
If you’d like to host our next Bolt Safety Academy, get in touch via ireland@bolt.eu.
