Ride-sharing company Bolt, which operates a fleet of 200 e-bikes in Groningen, will introduce a new in-app test to deter riders from hopping on a rental two-wheeler once they have had a little tipple, the Dagblad van het Noorden reports.
The test, which will be launched next week, asks riders to analyze certain images and then measures response times. If users fail the examination, the app will encourage them to use an alternative mode of transport.
“At certain times, when a lot of people in the city of Groningen typically have a drink, we ask for a reaction test,” says Welmoed Neijmeijer of Bolt Benelux. “Only users who have sufficient responsiveness are allowed to unlock a bicycle. We want to prevent as many accidents as possible.”
The test has been developed following research into the behavioural changes that occur when alcohol is consumed and the company’s own scooter safety report 2022.
In the last four years, Bolt has expanded to over 200 cities across the EU, and the ride-sharing service has based its report on all that data. According to the report, last year was the busiest for the company, as rides have quadrupled. But the number of accidents and injuries has also increased, although the company claims that the accident rate per 10,000 rides has dropped by 13%. The same goes for the number of injuries which dropped by 26%.
To expand safety options, Bolt has introduced a number of measures. Apart from the drunk driving test, the key ones include a weight gauging system, which is supposed to detect cases of tandem riding. The service also provides user education materials in the app.
Image via WikiUser JiriMatejicek, license here
