• December 27th, 2024
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Veo, an electric scooter and bicycle provider operating in over 50 cities and college campuses in the U.S., has partnered with Captur to use AI technology for parking compliance. This new system requires riders to take a photo of their parked vehicle within the Veo app to confirm it is parked according to local regulations. The AI tool from Captur checks the photo for compliance, and the rental session can only be ended when the vehicle is correctly parked.

Candice Xie, CEO of Veo, explains that the technology allows for customized regulation settings for different zones within a city. The initiative aims to address issues such as scooters blocking sidewalks or access ramps, which can be problematic for individuals with visual impairments, wheelchair users, parents with strollers, and delivery drivers. In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for example, incorrectly parked scooters may lead to warnings and fines for riders.

The use of designated parking corrals is also mentioned as a strategy to ensure proper scooter parking. Betsy Borchardt, a city planner in Cedar Rapids, emphasizes the importance of addressing parking issues as these devices are essential for commuting and contribute to reducing parking and traffic congestion, noise, emissions, and provide an alternative for those without a car.

Veo's adoption of AI technology for parking compliance could significantly enhance the integration of e-scooters into the transportation network by ensuring that properly parked scooters are not obstructing sidewalks, for example, a common problem in a densely populated areas with a high volume of pedestrian traffic.

The initiative could lead to more successful adoption of e-scooter programs as cities like ours continue to look for convenient and environmentally-friendly alternatives to motorized vehicles. If successful, the technology could serve as a model for other shared mobility services by encouraging responsible usage and fostering a culture of compliance. Through clear guidelines and immediate feedback on parking practices, the AI system has the potential to more adequately educate riders—something that has plagued micromobility programs like e-scooters in the past. This approach, coupled with infrastructure improvements such as designated parking corrals, could make e-scooters a more attractive and reliable option for residents and visitors in cities across the country.

Source: Government Technology