Lyft’s next-generation scooters will offer a smoother ride

The next time you rent a Lyft scooter, you might find that the company has a new model for you to ride. Starting today, Lyft is rolling out a “next-generation” electric scooter to its footprint. The device features a redesigned suspension system that Lyft claims will result in a smoother ride. The company says the new model can also travel to places its previous scooters couldn’t, thanks to a more powerful motor and 11.5-inch tubeless tires.

Internally, Lyft equips the scooter with a removable battery that provides up to 50 miles of range and can be charged on site. Later this year, the company plans to launch a version of the scooter that can recharge at stations connected to local power grids. The scooter also features cameras and Lyft’s latest sidewalk detection and parking warning software. When you need to park the scooter, this software will use visual cues to alert you to restrictions, including areas where you cannot leave the scooter. Last but not least, the scooter comes with a built-in phone holder to make navigation easier.

At the same time, Lyft began rolling out new docking infrastructure. The company redesigned its steel cleats to make them more resistant to corrosion and rust and thus easier to maintain. He also added solar cells to the bollards and found a way to make them more energy efficient. These are changes that Lyft says should extend them between battery changes. As mentioned above, the poles can also draw power from the local power grid, a feature that Lyft claims will increase the availability of the vehicle. If you’ve had trouble hooking up to a Lyft scooter or e-bike before, you’ll also be happy to know that the new bollards feature a redesigned locking mechanism that Lyft says requires “significantly” less physical effort to use. They also feature flip-up points and speakers to make their use more accessible to first-time users.

Lyft didn’t say when people in certain cities can expect to see its new scooters and docking infrastructure arrive, but it appears the rollout will be phased in over the course of the year.