Self-Driving Mobility Scooters Could Soon Be Reality
Reuters
1 min read
Nov 23, 2016, 05:59 PM
Key Highlights
- The self driving scooter is intended to drive pedestrians on footpaths
- The self driving mobility scooter can travel at speeds up to 6 km/h
- The self-driving scooter is still in the testing phase
After self-driving cars making it on roads, it could be self-driving mobility scooters that might just turn out to be the next big thing. Researchers in Singapore has come out with self-driving mobility scooters that drive single pedestrians along footpaths. The innovation has emerged out of the need to curb accidents involving phone-obsessed walkers, who are more vulnerable to bump into things due to the lack of attention. That said, it will be of great aid to the elderly too.
So, the one-seater, four-wheel, 50 kg vehicle is capable of travelling at a top speed of 6 km/h and has laser sensors to help navigate around obstacles. It slows down when it detects obstacles up to 4 km/h in front of it and has a 0.2 second response time.
The scooter is developed by the National University of Singapore (NUS), the city-state's latest experiment with driverless vehicles as it pushes ahead with its vision of using autonomous technology to help deal with the challenges of its limited land and labour. The mobility scooter has undergone successful tests on campus and developers said it can help improve mobility for all ages, cut down on the need for cars and also lower accident rates.
NUS Associate Professor and project leader Marcelo Ang Jr said, "I'm sure you have experienced people who just use their handphone while walking, and almost run into you ... so it would be nice if you are just sitting down and checking your emails. "We just give you more choices."
Ang Jr said that the scooter would be able to work in tandem with other driverless vehicles in Singapore, where robo-taxis are being tested and trials are planned for self-driving buses. He said the scooter was meant for use on narrow pathways which larger vehicles cannot access. Currently, the scooter takes a few seconds to calibrate a different route when it nears an obstacle - something Ang Jr said the team was looking to improve.
Users, though, did not seem too bothered by the brief pause. "It goes really smoothly and travels very safely," said student Kevin Xiangyu Hui, who tested the scooter. The project, a collaboration between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), and NUS will be further tested and is not for sale. a
So, the one-seater, four-wheel, 50 kg vehicle is capable of travelling at a top speed of 6 km/h and has laser sensors to help navigate around obstacles. It slows down when it detects obstacles up to 4 km/h in front of it and has a 0.2 second response time.
The scooter is developed by the National University of Singapore (NUS), the city-state's latest experiment with driverless vehicles as it pushes ahead with its vision of using autonomous technology to help deal with the challenges of its limited land and labour. The mobility scooter has undergone successful tests on campus and developers said it can help improve mobility for all ages, cut down on the need for cars and also lower accident rates.
NUS Associate Professor and project leader Marcelo Ang Jr said, "I'm sure you have experienced people who just use their handphone while walking, and almost run into you ... so it would be nice if you are just sitting down and checking your emails. "We just give you more choices."
Ang Jr said that the scooter would be able to work in tandem with other driverless vehicles in Singapore, where robo-taxis are being tested and trials are planned for self-driving buses. He said the scooter was meant for use on narrow pathways which larger vehicles cannot access. Currently, the scooter takes a few seconds to calibrate a different route when it nears an obstacle - something Ang Jr said the team was looking to improve.
Users, though, did not seem too bothered by the brief pause. "It goes really smoothly and travels very safely," said student Kevin Xiangyu Hui, who tested the scooter. The project, a collaboration between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), and NUS will be further tested and is not for sale. a
Related News
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Latest News
car&bike Team | Jun 29, 2026Delhi EV Policy Approved: Electric Cars Under Rs 30 Lakh To Get Full Tax ExemptionThe new policy offers purchase incentives and scrappage benefits while laying down a roadmap for EV-only registrations across several vehicle segments, including two-wheelers from 2028.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Jun 29, 2026New-Gen BMW X5 Teased Ahead Of Global Debut TomorrowThe teaser previews a fresh X-shaped lighting signature in a familiar illuminated grille setup.3 mins read
car&bike Team | Jun 29, 2026Tata Sierra EV Launch Tomorrow: What To Expect?The Sierra EV is expected to share much of its package with the Harrier EV.3 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 28, 2026Nissan Tekton Spied Undisguised Ahead Of July 9 DebutSole image of the SUV showcases the rear design of the SUV.1 min read
Carandbike Team | Jun 28, 2026Renault Kwid Facelift India Launch On July 3Latest facelift marks the second major update for the entry hatchback since its launch in 2015.1 min read
Amaan Ahmed | Jun 27, 2026Future Hyundai, Kia Cars May Feature In-Built UVC SanitiserHyundai Motor Group has unveiled 'Plasma Care UVC' technology, which utilises plasma lamps to safely and effectively destroy bacteria and viruses present inside a car.1 min read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Jun 29, 2026Renault Kiger vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor: Which Underdog Deserves Your Money?Both the Kiger and the Taisor promise strong performance, solid features, comfortable cabins and everyday usability, all without breaking the bank. But which of these underrated subcompact SUVs deserves your money? Let's find out.1 min read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Jun 29, 2026Skoda Kodiaq RS Review: The Best Kodiaq Yet?The Skoda Kodiaq RS is finally here, and it's every bit as exciting as I expected. But was it worth the wait?7 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Jun 28, 2026BMW X6 M60i Review: It’s Back And HOW!The BMW X6 M60i blends a 530bhp twin-turbo V8, with its unmistakable coupe-SUV styling. There’s plenty of character, but is it worth your money?6 mins read
Janak Sorap | Jun 25, 2026350cc Bajaj Dominar 400 Review: Same Character, Lower PriceA slightly lower displacement engine, a significantly lower price tag and nearly the same performance — the Bajaj Dominar 400 aims to be smarter rather than faster.6 mins read
Preetam Bora | Jun 25, 20262026 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z First Ride Review: Smaller Engine, But Should You Buy It?The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z won our Two-Wheeler Upgrade of the Year. Then new tax slabs happened. Smaller engine, same badge – but does it still deliver?6 mins read