British startup Hilo – co-founded by Andy Palmer, often referred to as the “godfather” of electric cars – has launched a new e-scooter packed with high-tech safety features in a bid to address the industry’s problems. arm security representative.

The e-scooter, called Hilo One, is equipped with the same kind of collision warning technology found in cars. Using computer vision AI, the e-scooter warns riders of imminent dangers through visual, audible and sensory feedback in the handlebars.

“E-scooters have faced safety and public perception challenges,” says Palmer, who helped drive electric vehicle adoption in the UK during his time as COO at Nissan and later as CEO at Aston Martin. “The Hilo One is an e-scooter that addresses these concerns head-on.”

The Hilo One is equipped with a large 31 cm front wheel to help clear potholes and eliminate the twitchy ride that some e-scooter models suffer from. It also projects lights from the undercarriage to increase visibility at night. These lights flash when other commuters get dangerously close. The on-board computer also connects to Unit 1 helmets and can recognize helmet use.

In addition to its safety credentials, the Hilo One has a built-in control unit that integrates with an electric car, sharing navigation information and charging points bi-directionally — especially useful for EV drivers looking for a last-mile add-on to their car.

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Charging can be done at home or via a special charger in the car. Android Auto compatibility allows navigation and range information to be shared between the car and the Hilo One.

Lotus Engineering, a division of race car manufacturer Lotus, contributed to the overall design of the Hilo One, including the patent-pending folding system. This locks dirty wheels into the body of the e-scooter and allows the Hilo One to be carried or wheeled using the telescopic handle.

The Hilo One has a speed limit of 25 km/h, in compliance with regulations, and its dual 350 W electric motors deliver a range of 40km.

The design hasn’t compromised on looks either – I’ve seen it with my own eyes at the Microbility Europe conference in Amsterdam today, and I have to say it’s a sleek, futuristic-looking piece of gear.

Predictably, all these gadgets and good looks come with a hefty price tag – the Hilo One starts from €2000. The startup is already taking pre-orders with delivery scheduled for 2024.