Latest news with #deliveryriders
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Zoomo's e-bike: Good or bad?
We've all heard the sales pitch for electric bikes (e-bikes) and bikes in general. They enhance health, save money, minimise carbon footprints and reduce congestion, contributing to a more efficient transportation network. Good for you, good for the planet. However, recent news about the dangers and misuse of e-bikes has obscured the compelling reasons for why they are needed in Australia. As cities across the country grow denser and traffic congestion worsens, the need for innovative urban mobility solutions has never been more crucial. Zoomo, a leader in the e-bike industry, is at the forefront of this urban transport revolution. Originally built for gig economy workers, and owing to their efficiency, durability and reliability, Zoomo's e-bikes quickly became the fan favourite among food delivery riders. This same balance of efficiency, durability and reliability is now being marketed to city commuters through subscription models designed to make e-biking more readily accessible. The bike itself isn't your typical flashy toy, but a functional machine designed for one purpose: to get from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible. That's why it's fitted with the most urban-friendly features. The bike comes with five power modes generated by its 250-watt motor, allowing the rider to adjust the assist level depending on the terrain. It's an innovative feature that's extremely handy for those who ride between quiet backstreets, busy roads, and the odd hill. The motor is discreetly hidden in the front wheel and propels a rider up to a speed of 25km/h with relatively little effort. Under normal conditions, the bike's battery lasts approximately six hours, which riders can track on the easy-to-read digital display that also shows speed and distance travelled. In addition to the power modes, a rear Shimano Nexus 3-speed gear hub not only gives riders further cruising assistance but also allow riders to shift gears while stationary — particularly useful at traffic lights. It should go without saying commuter comfort is extremely important. And Zoomo haven't missed the beat on this either. The saddle is ergonomically shaped, offering enough support without sacrificing comfort. The handlebars are also slightly raised with a sweptback design, positioning riders in a relaxed and upright position. More antitheft features than most cars Bike safety is paramount and this e-bike takes safety to a whole new level. Riders must tap a security fob to start the bike and use a key to remove its battery. If these steps aren't followed, the security system activates, locking the tyres with powerful brakes. And in the extremely rare event someone does manage to steal one of these, Zoomo themselves offer recovery missions alongside tracking features. While delivery riders still make up a large chunk of Zoomo's customer base, more commuters are starting to see the value of high-performance e-bikes. Zoomo are offering various rental options, with plans starting from $64 per week. Alternatively, there are options to purchase the bike outright; with prices starting at $1,500 second-hand and $3,000 new. For those who are growing tired of urban traffic and wanting an alternative way to get about, Zoomo is making a strong case for leaving the car at home.
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Banking on inclusion: How tech is reshaping financial access in the GCC
Image: Supplied In the bustling cities and vast deserts of the Arab world, a quiet transformation is taking place, one that doesn't always make headlines but has the power to change lives. It's the transformation of financial inclusion, where technology becomes the great equaliser, enabling access, dignity, and opportunity for all. Over the past few decades, millions have arrived in the region with aspirations of a better life. Among them are domestic helpers, construction workers, delivery riders, drivers, and retail attendants, individuals who form the backbone of many economies but have long remained excluded from the formal financial system. For years, many migrant workers were paid in cash, had no access to bank accounts, and relied on costly and time-consuming remittance services. They were often invisible to providers of essential financial services. This exclusion wasn't due to a lack of ambition but to systemic barriers such as documentation requirements, high fees, and limited financial literacy. Today, this is beginning to change. Advances in technology and the widespread adoption of smartphones are opening new doors. In the UAE, where expatriates make up nearly Growing mobile market The mobile banking market in the GCC is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5 per cent from 2025 to 2033, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, growing digital literacy, and proactive regulatory support. In the UAE, the combined prepaid card and digital wallet market is expected to expand from But access alone is not enough. Without the knowledge to use these tools safely and wisely, many remain vulnerable to scams, debt traps, and poor financial habits. Financial literacy is the essential counterpart to financial access. That's why human-centered design is key. Solutions must be simple, multilingual, culturally relevant, and built with empathy. Through initiatives like myZoi Money Tips, more than 2,200 blue-collar workers have participated in 12 community workshops and one large-scale community event, while digital content has garnered over 22 million views across social media, the app, and the website. The team listens closely to the needs of users, visiting shared accommodations, conducting in-depth interviews, and continuously refining services to reflect real challenges and aspirations. And it's working. Tangible shifts in engagement and trust are already being seen. Breaking cycles of inequality and enabling economic mobility Financial inclusion isn't just about banking; it's about breaking cycles of inequality and enabling economic mobility. It's about recognizing that inclusion is not a luxury, but a right. To build a more inclusive financial ecosystem, collaboration is essential. Governments, regulators, fintech innovators, employers, and civil society must work together to ensure that no one is left behind. With the UAE's vision, and initiatives like the Central Bank's Financial Infrastructure Transformation ( The journey is far from over. But with the right tools, the right mindset, and strong partnerships, every worker and every family can be empowered to turn their dreams into reality. The writer is the CEO at myZoi. Read:
