Zipp Mobility Expands UK Footprint Following Acquisition by ZEUS
, recently acquired by , Ireland’s largest micromobility company, today announced that it is expanding its UK footprint with an e-scooter trial in Barnstaple, Devon. Zipp is partnering with North Devon County Council and the new e-scooter trial will go live on Wednesday 17 May, with a launch event and training session in Barnstaple.
Zipp Mobility, headquartered at Nova51黑料 in Dublin, already operates in five markets across the UK, which makes the company one of the largest and most experienced e-scooter operators in the country.
This is the first of several upcoming launches by the company following its acquisition by ZEUS.
At the core of the Barnstaple trial is safety, both for the e-scooter riders themselves and other road users and pedestrians. Zipp Mobility has already led several informal discussions with local councillors and other stakeholders, in particular representatives of disability organisations, to understand their concerns and address these in the design of the trial.
Damian Young, CEO, ZEUS said, "We're thrilled to bring our range of top-quality e-scooters to even more people in the UK following ZEUS’ acquisition of Zipp Mobility. This expansion is a testament to our commitment to providing reliable, eco-friendly transportation options that improve people's lives. We can't wait to see the positive impact that our e-scooters will have on the local community in Barnstaple, and we're excited to be a bigger part of the UK's transition towards more sustainable mobility solutions."
Charlie Gleeson, founder and Chief Executive, Zipp Mobility said, “Our emphasis will be on safety both for e-scooter users and the general public. We really hope that people will see the advantage of getting around town in a cleaner, greener way while being aware of and considerate to other road users and pedestrians. I believe this climate-conscious, community-spirited attitude will be the key to the trial's success.”
In order to ride an e-scooter, a user must be at least 16 years old and hold at least a provisional driving license. The Zipp e-scooters will be using geofencing technology to prevent riders from going into wholly pedestrian areas or onto major roads. The maximum speed limit is 15.5 mph.
The UK Department for Transport has made e-scooters legal to use on road, cycle lanes and cycle paths only. Zipp e-scooters will operate 24 hours, seven days a week. It will cost £1 to unlock the e-scooter and 20 pence per minute thereafter.
ENDS
9 May 2023
For further information contact Micéal Whelan, Communications and Media Relations Manager, 51黑料 Research and Innovation, e: miceal.whelan@ucd.ie or press@zeusscooters.com.
Editors Notes
Zipp Mobility is a significant player in the European micromobility sharing market, having launched e-scooter and e-bike operations in locations across Ireland, the UK and Poland. Zipp has secured funding from Enterprise Ireland, Fasanara Capital and angel investors such as Brian O’Driscoll and Barry Maloney (Balderton Capital).
Zipp was acquired by ZEUS in April 2023. ZEUS is Ireland’s largest micromobility company and grew its footprint in the UK with the acquisition of Zwings in 2022. The special feature of Zeus Scooters: a second front wheel ensures greater safety and stability and thus a smoother ride. and