CoMotion Makes the Great Outdoors More Accessible with KORE.

Learn how CoMotion, with the help of KORE eSIM, is pioneering accessible shared mobility.

THE CUSTOMER

CoMotion, a leader in innovative transportation solutions, has introduced Europe’s first inclusive shared mobility Hub, powered by KORE eSIM. This case study highlights CoMotion’s journey to revolutionising AMaaS (Accessible Mobility-as-a- Service) by providing fully inclusive shared mobility options for users with reduced mobility, catering to their diverse needs and ensuring accessibility for all individuals – across all terrains.

BACKGROUND

CoMotion’s journey started in Ireland, where it became apparent that school children with disabilities were being excluded from access to cycling equipment for two key reasons: the first being that bikes designed for individuals with specific mobility needs are often expensive.

Second, they are very bulky and not easy to transport. Although some local councils have accessible bikes for hire, ironically, they are not easily accessible (someone needs to be there to manually open and close the bike shed). Additionally, they can only be hired for a couple hours at a time and require up to a week’s notice to reserve.

For all individuals with limited mobility, activities like biking and going to the beach are often next to impossible. Difficult terrain – and the traditional equipment and transportation systems used to traverse them – often exclude users with reduced mobility, limiting their ability to participate. Recognising this gap, CoMotion set out to develop a solution that would make shared mobility truly inclusive and accessible to all.

CoMotion offers a robust and scalable multimodal shared mobility solution designed to meet the needs of users with reduced mobility.

Key features of the service include:

• Adaptive Bikes and Trikes: Specially adapted bikes and trikes that cater to users with mobility challenges.
• Docked or Free-Floating Fleets: Flexibility to deploy fleets in various environments, whether docked or free-floating, to maximise accessibility.
• Integration with Existing Share Schemes: Seamless integration with existing share schemes or standalone operation in tourist areas, expanding accessibility to a wider user base.

THE CHALLENGE

IoT is the backbone of this project. Without reliable connectivity, there can be no fleet of accessible bikes. CoMotion needed an eSIM solution that would allow them to connect to multiple providers across multiple regions, future-proofing safety devices against network or carrier changes and enhancing member satisfaction. Without it, users would not be able to access adaptive bikes and trikes from docked or free-floating fleets – and the company would not be able to integrate with existing share schemes.

THE SOLUTION

KORE Super SIM provides CoMotion the flexibility to wirelessly switch to whichever network carrier best meets members’ specific needs. Dependable data connectivity enabled CoMotion’s fleet of vehicles and smart locking systems to be accessible via mobile phone. This revolutionary technology is designed to overcome mobile signal challenges and address accessibility disparities by enabling electronic switching of service carriers for optimal 24/7 connectivity – allowing users to access their fleet whenever, wherever.

Because of KORE Super SIM, CoMotion was able to offer the following Key Benefits:

• Inclusivity: By integrating specially adapted bikes and trikes into the fleet, the STEED platform ensures that users with reduced mobility have equal access to shared mobility options.
• Scalability: The STEED platform can be tailored to suit diverse environments and user needs, making it adaptable to different urban landscapes and community requirements.
• Accessibility: CoMotion’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond the STEED platform, offering a range of adaptive bikes, trikes, and ebikes for sale, lease, or inclusion in shared mobility fleets.

“I needed to find the right technology partner to make this succeed. KORE’s team was collaborative from the start and immediately understood what needed to be done. We ended up using Super SIM for data and it was the easiest part of the entire process, which I found strange because I actually thought that was going to be the more complicated. KORE made the process so seamless.”

Jarlath Gantly, Managing Director, CoMotion Mobility Solutions Ltd.

RESULTS

The Greenway in County Mayo, Ireland is a perfect example of CoMotion’s offerings in action. Users can use the app to remotely book a bike up to 2 hours in advance, arrive at the hub, scan a QR code, unlock the bike, and off they go. Watch the recent news story.

With the help of KORE, CoMotion has made great strides in…

• Pioneering Innovation: CoMotion’s STEED platform sets a new standard for inclusive shared mobility, establishing the company as a pioneer in the field. •
• Expanded Accessibility: The introduction of adaptive bikes and trikes into shared mobility fleets enhances accessibility for users with reduced mobility, promoting social inclusion and mobility independence.
• Positive User Experience: Users of the STEED platform commend CoMotion for its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, citing the convenience and ease of use of the service.

“At the end of the day, it’s the people who use our bikes – those with disabilities and the people who assist them – who are the real heroes. We are just facilitators. We provide a service that enables them to do the good work, to enable people to be included in events and activities. It’s the smiles, the tears, the laughter, and ultimately the joy provided that makes it all worthwhile.”

Jarlath Gantly, Managing Director, CoMotion Mobility Solutions Ltd.

CONCLUSION

CoMotion found KORE’s eSIM technology easy to manage on the backend platform, simplifying the activation and management of SIM cards. The access to tier 1 level network enables seamless transitions between providers, which is a crucial advantage. This solution proves highly cost-effective and facilitates scalability, especially as they plan to expand into Northern Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe within the next 12 months. CoMotion’s STEED platform represents a paradigm shift in the shared mobility industry, demonstrating that accessibility and inclusivity can coexist with innovation and scalability. By prioritising the needs of users with reduced mobility, CoMotion is paving the way to a more inclusive and equitable mobility future.

Contact KORE to learn how KORE Connectivity can help drive your Mobility-as-a-Service solution into the future.

ABOUT COMOTION

CoMotion offers a robust and scalable multimodal fully Inclusive shared transport solution for any environment. Fleets can be docked or freefloating and include a variety of transport modes to suit the individual environment. CoMotion have launched the first inclusive shared mobility platform in Europe via the STEED App, which caters to the needs of users with reduced mobility by integrating specially adapted bikes and trikes into our fleet.

For more information, visit https://comotion.ie/