Helsinki turns to AI to spot e-scooter crashes before they happen

Helsinki has launched a pilot project to test e-scooters equipped with AI-powered sensors that monitor rider behaviour and flag safety risks in real time. 

Backed by the European Union, the trial involves 40 shared e-scooters from Tier-Dott, one of Europe’s largest operators. 

Each vehicle is fitted with sensors developed by UK-based See.Sense, which detect sudden braking, swerving, and vibrations that may signal road hazards. The data is then analysed and visualised through a mobility data platform developed by French startup Vianova.

The pilot is coordinated by Forum Virium Helsinki, the city’s innovation agency, as part of the EU-funded ELABORATOR project. The goal is to help cities take a more proactive approach to e-scooter safety.

“By using advanced technology, we can help the city gain new information about accidents and near misses, as well as places where risky situations are concentrated,” said Noora Reittu, senior project manager of ...