Dott, an industry leader in the micro-mobility sector, is going to do research and development on a variety of new e-scooter noises that have the potential to be added to its fleet of electric vehicles with two wheels.
Dott, Lime, and Tier, three of London’s rental e-scooter companies, came to an agreement earlier this year to test out an acoustic warning framework that would notify other drivers about the existence of the equipment on the road. The companies’ ultimate goal is to have the system become the mainstream technology.
Researchers from the University of Salford have teamed up with their counterparts from the Royal National Institute for Blind People for the development of Dott’s new sounds.
In order to raise people’s awareness of electric scooters, three different alternative audio options have been developed to date. The test phase will move the project forward. According to Dott, one of the most important aspects of the project was to develop a new sound that did not add to the existing level of noise pollution.
A group of individuals, some of whom are blind or have limited vision, will use a virtual reality device to be teleported into a world that encompasses their whole field of vision so that the newest sounds may be evaluated.
The participant will be asked to offer comments on each of the three noises and to indicate when they become aware of the e-scooter for the first time whilst wearing the headset, which will show simulations of riders using the e-scooter in various settings.
The examinations will begin at a facility in London, after which they will be carried out once again in Spain, Italy, and Sweden. According to Dott, conducting its testing throughout Europe will help the company achieve its aim of establishing a worldwide standard for an e-scooter’s audio. This will assure that Dott remains relevant on an international scale.
Dr. Antonio J. Torija Martinez, who is the primary investigator at the University of Salford, stated that the group of researchers will be able to acquire reliable findings by making use of virtual reality (VR) to generate immersive and realistic experiences inside the confines of a laboratory setting that is both safe and under strict supervision.
According to Martinez, the researchers are able to guarantee that the sound we create is the optimal solution for their requirements by maintaining strong relationships with the Royal National Institute for the Blind and blind groups scattered around Europe.
After the phase of using virtual reality (VR), the audio will be tested on London streets and throughout Europe to verify the discoveries that were uncovered in the laboratory.
Henri Moissinac, co-founder and CEO of Dott, was quoted as saying that it is crucial that vehicles serve users adequately and be considerate of all other city dwellers as well.
Moissinac added that some of the most affected road users might benefit enormously from the creation of an industry-leading e-scooter sound that can be heard by those who need it but is not obtrusive.
