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Micromobility provider Bolt has launched its fifth generation of e-scooter, the Bolt 5.
The latest machine has been designed with new safety features, as well as curved handlebars and a wider foot-space for better grip and handling.
A larger front wheel and hydraulic suspension are also new additions to Bolt scooters, along with front and rear indicator lights.
Based in Tallinn, Estonia, Bolt operates ride hailing, car clubs, e-scooter, e-bikes and food delivery services across Europe and in Africa.
Dmitri Pivovarov, VP of rentals at Bolt said, “Bolt and cities are partners. We have the same goals: we’re looking to provide vehicles and solutions that can be used together with public transport infrastructure. Bolt 5 is the safest and the most durable scooter offered by Bolt so far. It’s a great solution for people who want to move away from private car ownership.”
The Bolt 5 also includes a swappable 48v battery (compared to industry standard 36v), which offers increase range of 55km.
Bolt said the 20,000 units of the new model, which is made from 100% recyclable aluminium, will be rolled out across Europe in 2022.
Each machine has an estimated life cycle of up to 60 months.
The Bolt 5 will also include a dashboard featuring speed, battery levels, and a wireless phone charger.
To coincide with the announcement, Bolt has also teamed up with The Bike Project to offer sustainable transport to refugees living in the UK.
The Bike Project receives donations of second hand bikes and refurbishes them to pass on to refugees and asylum seekers. The charity has already donated 9,000 bikes from its centres in Deptford, London and Mosley, Birmingham, and will now be able to expand this work nationwide.
As part of the long-term partnership, Bolt is holding a pop-up donation hub in Manchester.
Jem Stein, founder and CEO of the Bike Project said: “Here at The Bike Project we’ve supported over 9,000 refugees get access to bikes in the last 10 years. But we still have many more waiting for help. Our partnership with Bolt allows us to expand on our work in London and Birmingham, and take our organisation to more cities across the UK. We’re so excited to work closely with Bolt and get more bikes to more refugees, starting with our Manchester launch. So look out for a Bolt drop-off point coming near you soon. And remember, Bolt will help you by organising a ride for free to your nearest drop-off location.”
Christian Berces, director for Europe at Bolt, said: “Bolt exists to provide ‘on demand’ transport when you need it; one part of our community that needs that more than anyone right now are refugees and asylum seekers. The Bike Project provides refugees with vital help as they get themselves established and we hope this partnership will help their drive to improve social and economic mobility in many exciting ways.”
