HOP RETHINKING URBAN MOBILITY

Combating urban congestion with an autonomous scooter

Of My Imagination (OMI), a transport-focused industrial design studio, has introduced a concept for a multi-person scooter called "Hop." This scooter is designed to travel along cycle lanes and provide an alternative solution to reduce overcrowding in cities. The proposal is part of a self-initiated project by OMI, aimed at addressing urban transportation challenges by offering a new, efficient way for multiple people to commute in urban areas.

To address the problem of overcrowding on public transport, the designers at OMI developed a "multi-person scooter platform" that can accommodate several people in the same space as a single bicycle. The idea is to create a space-efficient solution for city commuters, who are often used to standing in crowded buses and trains. The concept focuses on maximizing the use of space by allowing multiple passengers to stand within the compact footprint of the vehicle, offering a new approach to micro-mobility in urban areas.

Hop is designed to solve the "last-mile travel" problem, which refers to the short distance between transport hubs like train stations and a commuter's final destination. The autonomous scooters would follow specific routes in city cycle lanes, making it easy for commuters to hop on or off at dedicated stops along the way. This system provides a convenient and efficient way to bridge the gap between major transportation points and where people need to go.

By designing Hop for users to stand instead of sit, it allows twice as many passengers to fit in the same space. This helps reduce the number of vehicles on busy city streets, easing congestion. OMI explains that Hop is only a third of the width of a typical four-person car, while having the same width and length as a standard bicycle, making it compact and efficient for urban travel.

Hop uses driverless technology, which removes the need for a large driver's area, allowing more space for passengers and their luggage. According to the designers, Hop is powered by advanced electric scooter technology and autonomous driving, making it a more efficient, streamlined, and user-friendly vehicle. This design maximizes space and focuses on the needs of the passengers.

Hop's design takes inspiration from bicycles, using tubular frames to build a strong and affordable structure that blends well with the city environment. The tubular bars offer multiple places for passengers to hold onto during the ride, making it suitable for people of different heights. Inside, there is a perch bench at the back for resting and two baskets to store bags, adding convenience for commuters.

The Hop system would include a dedicated app that helps users plan their routes and provides a QR code for easy access. Passengers would scan the QR code to unlock the vehicle's entrance bars, ensuring that only booked passengers can enter. Through the app, users could book a private Hop vehicle for themselves or their group, or opt to share the ride with others.

OMI, the London-based studio behind Hop, was founded in 2022 by Daniel Window and Isabella Trani. They focus on developing transport solutions with a strong emphasis on user-centered design.

Did you like this post? Interested in more? Feel free to like and/or share with your network.