Whoosh, a leader in shared micro-mobility, has built and tested a series of predictive and real time algorithms to gauge how many riders use electric scooters at the same moment. The company publicly stated that the aim is to better understand crowding on its network and to reinforce safety across its fleet. This initiative comes as part of ongoing safety enhancements that respond to concerns from users, regulators, and city partners about how shared scooters move through busy streets and sidewalks.
According to statements from Whoosh, the new technology analyzes data gathered from each scooter to determine whether two or more people could be sharing a single device during a single ride. Experts note that riding with more than one person on a scooter can disrupt balance and control, which raises the risk of falls or collisions. Of particular concern are trips involving children or other vulnerable riders, where stability is more easily compromised. The company has emphasized that the focus is on preventing unsafe situations and protecting riders by detecting unusual usage patterns in real time.
In the latest phase, Whoosh indicated that the algorithms are undergoing additional field tests. If these tests yield consistently positive results, the system is expected to be deployed across the entire electric scooter network. A key feature under consideration is the automatic reduction of scooter speed when the system detects a rule violation and a notification that appears in the user’s mobile app. The first violation would trigger a warning, while repeated infractions could lead to penalties such as fines or temporary suspension of the rider account, depending on local regulations and the platform’s policies.
Historical safety data in Russia shed a stark light on the transport mode, illustrating the stakes involved with micro-mobility. In the first half of 2022, reports indicated that six people died and 382 were injured in incidents involving electric scooters, unicycles, segways, and other self-mobilized devices. Comparisons with the same period the year before showed a sharp rise in fatalities and injuries, underscoring the critical need for robust safety measures and responsible rider behavior. City officials and service operators alike have cited such figures when shaping rules around speed, rider capacity, and age restrictions to safeguard pedestrians and road users while maintaining access to convenient mobility options. The ongoing development of detection and enforcement technologies is framed as a complementary layer to rider education and urban design strategies that encourage safer travel by micro-mobility services.
Industry observers are watching how Whoosh integrates these technologies with existing safety programs, including the use of geofencing, route validation, and rider education campaigns. The company has stated that any new features will be calibrated to minimize false positives while maximizing safety benefits, with a focus on user experience that remains seamless and fair. Real time alerts, transparent enforcement criteria, and clear communication about penalties are expected to accompany the rollout if the trials prove successful. Stakeholders emphasize that the objective is not to penalize riders but to create a safer, more reliable service that people can trust for commuting, errands, and short trips across urban areas.
As Whoosh advances its testing, the broader micro-mobility sector continues to grapple with balancing convenience, accessibility, and safety. The adoption of smarter fleet management and rider accountability tools could set new industry benchmarks for shared scooters and similar devices. Observers suggest that the outcomes of these trials will influence how other operators design safety features, manage rider behavior, and collaborate with city authorities to ensure that micro-mobility remains a viable option for urban travel without compromising public safety. In the end, the aim is to deliver a safer experience for riders, pedestrians, and drivers alike, while maintaining the pace and efficiency that make electric scooters a popular choice for urban mobility.