Wind Mobility, the e-scooter share scheme operator in Nottingham and Derby, has replaced its entire fleet. The new Link e-scooters from Superpedestrian feature the firm’s patented Vehicle Intelligence system, which allows over-the-air updates to safety features and vehicle characteristics.

The e-scooters in both Nottingham and Derby were swapped overnight and users will now need to download the Link app in place of the previous Wind app.

The minimum age for rental has been raised to 18.

Wind’s three-strike system - which sees users warned, suspended and then ultimately banned if they are reported for irresponsible riding or poor parking - remains. This will also be supplemented by Superpedestrian’s geofencing and positioning technology.

We reported in July how Superpedestrian was implementing software that could detect when a scooter was being ridden on the pavement in real-time, slowing the vehicle down in response. It’s unclear whether this feature is in use yet, but it is the kind of thing could appear with future operating system updates.

The new e-scooters do however feature a predictive maintenance system that is said to reduce repairs, cut waste and extend service life.

Updates can also improve powertrain efficiency and range, leading Superpedestrian to claim that its scooters, "get smarter and safer with age."

Some will be struck that helmets are not being provided with the new e-scooters. Wind say that the first year of the Nottingham trial showed that their integrated helmets were used for only 4 per cent of rides and that their removal also comes in response to Covid-19-related hygiene concerns.

Superpedestrian will provide helmets to up to 1,000 riders on request and will also distribute them at safety events.