GrabWheels, the Dijajal Grab e-scooter service in Singapore

Jakarta – Grab explores the potential of expanding its services in Singapore by testing electronic scooters. The service called GrabWheels is being tested through collaboration with the Kent Ride of the National University of Singapore (NUS). The company plans to conduct a three-month trial on campus.

The number of scooter units belonging to Grab is still relatively small. Nevertheless, the company intends to increase this amount over the next few weeks, depending on the demand of students and faculty.

As the number of scooters is still low, Grab has only provided eight parking stations. Until the end of this year, the company plans to increase the number to 30. For now, it is estimated that each station can accommodate up to 10 units of scooters.

The rates imposed during the trial period are subject to a fee of 20 centimes. The duration of use is limited to 30 minutes. This service transaction can also be paid via GrabPay. By using electronic transactions, users will earn five GrabRewards points.

In order for the service to be safe for drivers, Grab will teach users to drive well. The technical support team will also be involved in sending a warning message in the application, if the user acts recklessly. In addition, the team also helps users experiencing problems during the trial period.

"There will also be a support team on standby at any time, to help users in case of trouble during the test period," Grab quoted by CNN Indonesia as saying on Tuesday (27.11.2018 ).

The presence of new Grab services is recognized by local students as an alternative means of transportation.

"This electric scooter offers us an alternative to using a shuttle, especially when we are in a hurry and the bus has not arrived," Nicholas Tey said.

As part of the tests, Grab and NUS will also study schemes to optimize the use of electronic scooters. For now, the new GrabWheels service is being used by staff and students of NUS Kent Ride.

For the potential extension of this service in the future, Grab stated that it still determines the appropriate market potential. But it is undeniable that they also intend to launch this service throughout South East Asia.

(prf / krs)