U of T e-scooter startup launches expansion during COVID-19

Many companies have balked at increasing their operations through the pandemic, however the founders of College of Toronto startup Roll Scooters noticed a uncommon alternative to develop.

The startup, co-founded final yr by U of T Scarborough alumnus Richard Cao and undegraduate pupil Arda Erturk, not too long ago rolled out the service in two new cities: Calgary and Ottawa.

And so they plan so as to add extra cities subsequent yr.

“We’re hoping subsequent yr cities like Vancouver and Toronto will observe swimsuit as individuals search for transit choices the place they’ll practise protected social distancing,” says Erturk, who serves because the startup’s chief communications officer.  

The pair met as undergrads whereas organizing an Earth Day occasion at U of T Scarborough and commenced speaking in regards to the potential for e-scooters in Canada. In March 2019, they visited The Hub, U of T Scarborough’s entrepreneurial incubator, and commenced working with its director, Grey Graffam. 

Electrical scooters, generally known as e-scooters, are battery-powered scooters which have exploded throughout Europe and the U.S. lately. Customers are capable of finding, unlock and hire the scooters via cell phone apps. In Roll’s case, the service is “dockless,” that means clients can trip the scooters wherever they need and depart them there after they’re finished.

Cao and Erturk fashioned a group of six staff who helped launched the web site, code the app and examine potential Canadian launch cities. Cao additionally leveraged manufacturing connections in China to get the scooters constructed.

After a profitable trial in Kelowna, B.C. final yr, Roll expanded into Calgary in Could with 500 scooters and, extra not too long ago, in Ottawa, the place it presents 80 scooters.

“Making an attempt to function and develop our enterprise throughout COVID-19 has had its personal distinctive set of challenges, but it surely’s additionally offered alternatives. Persons are recognizing micromobility as a protected and dependable transit choice,” says Erturk.

He cites the Calgary launch for example.

“We noticed a whole lot of leisure use, so individuals simply making an attempt them out for the primary time, however we additionally noticed a development that individuals have been taking shorter journeys, and extra journeys within the night. This implies they have been commuting again residence from work, which was nice to see.”    

Launching throughout COVID-19 additionally meant introducing new cleansing procedures, together with sanitizing scooters twice per day, and inspiring clients to sanitize their arms earlier than and after use.

In Canada the e-scooter trade stays very a lot in its infancy, principally attributable to preliminary security considerations.

“We’ve made the platform of our scooters wider and heavier than most U.S. corporations, which makes it extra steady. Our wheels are additionally bigger to assist stop them from getting caught in curbs or uneven avenue surfaces,” says Erturk.  

He provides there are some distinctive challenges that include working in Canada – specifically the climate. Roll can often function from March or April till November, relying on native bylaws. In the course of the down time within the winter months, Erturk says they’re capable of concentrate on making software program and {hardware} enhancements.

Roll plans on searching for extra alternatives to develop into different Canadian markets, notably in Toronto, which is ready to launch a pilot undertaking for e-scooters in 2021. In the meantime, the corporate will quickly be promoting their retail scooter fashions via Kickstarter and their on-line retailer. 

Erturk says with many municipalities world wide taking a look at methods to divert extra vehicles off busy downtown metropolis streets, there may be alternative for development in bicycle, e-bike and e-scooter rental companies within the close to future. He’s additionally been inspired by the welcome Roll has acquired from native enterprise enchancment areas, that are happy that potential clients have larger entry to small companies.       

“E-scooters, and micromobility on the whole, provide a fantastic alternative for cities,” Erturk says. “Individuals dwelling in cities are demanding protected, clear, and dependable modes of transportation past vehicles. I feel this goes hand-in-hand with creating extra livable cities.”