Hopping on a Helbiz e-scooter? Snap a helmet selfie first – it’s for safety

In the ongoing saga around Miami’s micromobility options, there are more questions than answers. Will mobility companies continue to be able to provide their services to Miamians? Will mobility devices be deployed in other areas around the city and the county? Which providers are here to stay? These questions are just the tip of the iceberg.

But one thing is certain: the powers that be are laser-focused on safety. And micromobility providers like Wheels and Lime have responded, each highlighting how they prioritize safety.

New York-based micromobility company Helbiz is no exception. The company has just launched a new, AI-powered feature to keep riders safe. Before you want to take a ride on a Helbiz escooter, you have to take a selfie with a helmet on. Helbiz’s system then automatically checks to make sure you’re wearing a helmet, in line with safety regulations from the City of Miami. On top of handing out free Helbiz-branded helmets around town over the last few weeks, riders can find helmets (plus hairnets) attached to their e-scooter’s handlebars.

“You cannot start a ride unless you’re wearing it, and we’re seeing about 60% of rides failing to start because they’re not riding with a helmet,” Helbiz’s Miami-based Head of Partnerships and Policy, Vivian Myrtetus, told Refresh Miami. Bareheaded users are given a chance to redeem themselves by popping on a helmet and snapping a new shot.

“Our hope is that riders will recognize the importance of wearing a helmet, and that other vendors soon will adopt this requirement as well,” Myrtetus continued. More companies having similar requirements will, in Myrtetus’s opinion, lead to more customers riding safely.

Helbiz has been active in Miami since 2019. It is also available in Miami Lakes, as well as 15 markets in the US and over 40 overseas.

In South Florida, Myrtetus reports seeing a large increase in ridership since the program began. “We’re seeing quite a bit of adoption from folks that are taking longer rides than previously,” she explained. 

Helbiz’s Miami-based Head of Partnerships and Policy Vivian Myrtetus,

Myrtetus shared that average ride lengths have increased from between five and seven minutes to closer to 17 minutes. “We’re seeing a mode shift of people getting out of their car and using alternative forms of transportation as they’re more and more reliable,” said Myrtetus. 

She underscored how the e-scooter technologies have improved over the last few years, as have public transportation services – most notably, the Brightline high speed train. Myrtetus herself went carless a few months ago and was pleased to report that “quite frankly, it’s been great.”

Helbiz currently has about 15 employees in Miami, between its warehouse and office. If the company’s proposal to continue operating in Miami is successful, Myrtetus expects this number to double. She also signaled that Helbiz is interested in expanding to other municipalities in South Florida.

The rise of the #MiamiTech movement may nudge South Florida further into the world of micromobility, noted Myrtetus. “A lot of the folks that are moving here are coming from areas where they have micromobility. It’s great to offer them a reliable service that they can use to explore their new area.”

Miami mobility is much more than mere cars! From e-bikes and e-scooters to underground tunnels and transport pods, Refresh Miami has got you covered. Check out some of our latest stories: 

Riley Kaminer