Dott to roll out e-scooter service via Free Now app

Partnership paves way for ‘sustainable and environmentally friendly’ mode of transport

Micro mobility company Dott has teamed up with taxi platform FreeNow to integrate the scooter company's services into its app in Ireland.

As part of the partnership, Dott’s e-scooters will be available to book through the Free Now app once the company’s services are fully rolled out in Ireland. The partnership also includes a number of other European countries.

“This is an important next step in our preparations to roll out our services in Ireland. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to choose to travel in the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way,” said Duncan Robertson, general manager for Dott in Ireland and the UK.

“This partnership with Free Now will give more people access to our services, helping to free cities like Dublin from congestion and pollution. At Dott we will continue to engage with local stakeholders to ensure the introduction of shared e-scooters in Ireland is safe, convenient and user-friendly.”

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‘Friction-free journey’

The announcement comes two weeks after the Government’s approval of draft legislation to legalise e-scooters on Irish roads, and paves the way for the introduction of shared e-scooter services in Ireland.

"This will make it very convenient for Free Now customers in Ireland to book an e-scooter and have a friction-free journey from booking to payment," said Niall Carson, Ireland country manager at Free Now. "Our approach is based on partnering with reputable providers who prioritise safety and customer experience. With Dott, we are onboarding an important player in the micro-mobility sector, which is just as committed to sustainable mobility solutions as we are."

Dott currently operates over 40,000 e-scooters in more than 35 European cities.

It is just one of several e-scooter rental companies looking at ramping up operations here. Shared micromobility operator Lime is to invest €10 million in its Irish operations. The California-headquartered company, which is backed by Uber, established operations locally three years ago.

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien is an Irish Times business and technology journalist