Micromobility Startup Tortoise Comes Out of Stealth

A new micromobility startup has poked out its head and emerged from the stealth shell. SF-based Tortoise is developing autonomous scooter tech, which it hopes to package as a remote and autonomous repositioning service for micromobility operators.

Co-founder and Uber alum Dmitry Shevelenko told me Tortoise's goal is to build "an Android for repositioning any light electric vehicle." It's created reference designs for cameras, robotic training wheels, and other hardware totaling $100/scooter for manufacturers. The operators that buy these would then pay Tortoise a per-mile fee for autonomously/remotely moving scooters where they're supposed to go.

Here's why other micromobility companies might want to pay for this:

• Sidewalk clutter: Try dodging four separate scooter piles in a market like Austin, TX...you'll get it.
• Economics: The gig "juicers" who charge and redeploy scooters are expensive. A "per-mile repositioning cost" would cost less, Shevelenko said.
• Location, location, location: Tortoise's autonomous software and teleoperators could guide scooters to charging stations, city-designated zones, or (eventually) to users.

Next steps: Tortoise will test its service with teleoperators in Peachtree Corners, GA. It's also in talks with Florida and Texas towns, Shevelenko said, and is shooting for semiautonomous pilots by Q2 2020. If all goes well (a big if), Tortoise wants to eventually extend its service to e-bikes and delivery bots.