Dublin sporting family swaps soccer for scooters

SMART Scooters, an Irish e-scooter sharing platform, has announced the creation of 20 new jobs in its Dublin based operation following a six-figure investment.

The company is owned and managed by brothers Lee and Dylan Roche, and their cousin Gerard Rowe, who all come from Dublin City.

All have also played for a number of high-profile football clubs including Shamrock Rovers, Liffey Wanderers, Longford Town, Cabinteely and Pearse Rangers.

Lee Roche, CEO of SMART Scooters, made the announcement as the company received its latest delivery of Acton pro-2.0 scooters and 3.0s, the award-winning scooters known for its reliability and safety.

SMART Scooters was set up in 2019 by brothers Lee and Dylan Roche and cousin Gerard Rowe after they identified a gap in the Irish market for a scooter sharing platform.

Micromobility already had a global foothold but Ireland lagged behind.

“Gerard spent a lot of time in European cities researching the sector, talking to consumers, partners and while Lee investigated the hardware and software options available.

“We went all out – if you’re going to do it, we were determined to offer the best experience.

“We have privately raised a six-figure sum and invested it in the best scooters available and developed our own software.

“We are also talking to other potential investors who are keen to get involved in this sector.

“Naturally being from Dublin, we have a special relationship with the city and see SMART Scooters becoming an integral part of transport.

“We are also proud to have created jobs and investment and see that only growing over the coming months,” commented Lee Roche.

SMART Scooters currently employs 8 people and the 20 new positions – largely in tech, operations and customer care – are expected to come on board over the coming months.

As all operators wait for the Government to pass escooter legislation – expected this summer – SMART Scooters is working with local councils and potential partners in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Kilkenny.

Trials are ongoing and further jobs will come on stream on receipt of operating licences. SMART Scooters anticipates an additional 10-15 jobs could be created – per city/town – which the company said was very encouraging.

SMART Scooter customers simply download an App, input card details and accept T&Cs.

There will then be a 1 min safety video to view as soon as the App is activated.

At the end of the ride, they will be asked to park sensibly and in accordance with Councils’ regulations and take a picture of the stationary scooter.

“We believe being Irish gives us a unique perspective,” Lee said.

“We are based locally and have a detailed understanding of the cities and towns we hope to operate in.

“Another important point is around customer care.

“We’ve seen how poor customer service can really impact the overall experience for partners and customers when you use a SMART Scooter, it will be safe, affordable, fun – all backed up with excellent customer care.

“We’re also in discussions with a wide range of hotel chains and tour operators; both of whom see the enormous potential for our escooter sharing scheme.

“They are particularly keen on our Irish heritage and the fact that we have local knowledge. We are confident SMART Scooters can be at the centre of that growth.”