Micromobility firm Helbiz has become the second team to officially enter the eSkootr Championship, which is set to get underway next year.
The American-owned Italian company, which went public on NASDAQ last week, will field three riders when eSC hosts its first competitive events.
Founded in 2015 by Salvatore Palella, Helbiz produces three types of electric vehicles which includes the industry leading e-scooter that was the first of its kind to be introduced in Italy.
Meanwhile, eSC is a brand-new category of sport with the championship’s first races taking place in 2022.
Riders will race a specially designed eSkootr the S1-X, which has been developed by Ycom and Williams Advanced Engineering and can reach speeds of 100 km/h, on specially designed inner-city circuits.
Both Helbiz and eSC are “constantly looking at ways to improve urban mobility” and “provide safe transport for all” – shared goals which make eSC the “perfect development ground for Helbiz to continue to modify and evaluate all aspects of the rider experience and their environmental impact”.
Speaking following the announcement, eSkootr Championship COO Khalil Beschir explained that this was “just the start” of the relationship between the two organisations.
“We’re delighted to welcome Helbiz to eSC,” he said.
“Aside from the wider-ranging ambitions around the championship, I have no doubt that Helbiz will be competing in eSC to win and will be competitive from the outset. As a company they share our passion for improving micromobility and providing safer and more sustainable urban transportation options. Helbiz is made up of an incredibly innovative and imaginative group of people who are prepared to think outside the box. This is potentially just the start of a great relationship which could move beyond micromobility and also encompass wider media opportunities in the future.”
Emanuele Liatti, Helbiz Chief Product Officer added: “This is undoubtedly a time of strong growth and development for Helbiz. Just last week the company listed on Nasdaq and now we are officially the first micro-mobility company to achieve this goal. Furthermore, we have recently announced the launch of Helbiz One, our Made in Italy scooter Designed by Pininfarina: the prototype of the first scooter destined for sale. This new special model and the collaboration with eSC adds value to the company and that I am delighted to follow closely, because it takes us into an adrenaline-fueled and exciting world.”
