Joyride, a Canadian software platform for lightweight electric vehicles (LEVs), has developed a proprietary IoT device that enables smart mobility connectivity through one vertically integrated product. 

Called Neon, it provides vehicle intelligence, round-the-clock telematics, AI computing power and monetisation tools specifically for LEVs such as golf carts, low-speed vehicles (LSVs), utility vehicles and mobility scooters.

Used by OEMs, fleet operators and enterprise businesses in 450 markets, Joyride powers keyless, shareable and trackable vehicles through branded rental apps, fleet management dashboards and automation.

With high-speed coverage across 180 countries and 550 networks, Neon IoT lets these vehicles communicate with Joyride’s software platform and between each other around the clock and around the globe without any complex setup.

“The dark days of using a fragmented IoT process are over with Neon,” said Vince Cifani, Joyride CEO. “Our decade of mobility experience has shown that IoTs typically fall short on integration, functionality and support. We’ve addressed this by launching a next-gen IoT device that’s already synced with our global platform. It’s enterprise-level technology for vehicle makers and managers without the complexity.”

Natively integrated with Joyride’s mobile app, fleet dashboard and operations tools, Neon provides complete visibility into crucial operational necessities such as battery health, vehicle performance, idle time, use and revenue generation. The device harnesses firmware-over-the-air updates, no-code configuration, Bluetooth, wifi and high-speed connectivity, offline geofencing and dual-band GPS, as well as an adaptive AI controller that enables crucial offline decision-making.

Neon represents a further advancement within the golf cart and LSV market for Joyride, following the company’s recent series A funding round led by Yamaha Motors. Amid myriad traditional telematic offerings for large cars and lorries, the golf cart and LSV industry has been largely underserved, despite surmountable growth within the smaller vehicle sector.

“The future of mobility is in practical, smaller vehicles, which are primed for big tech opportunities,” Cifani said. “OEMs demand smart connectivity to keep their vehicles safe, relevant and revenue-driven. There are countless warehouses with internal fleets that require operational tracking and offline telematics, while fleet managers and businesses are seeing the lucrative benefits of offering seamless vehicle rentals within a matter of days.”

The launch of Neon comes on the heels of Revii (joyride.city/blog/introducing-revii-the-first-rental-app-for-carts-and-minicars), Joyride’s first ready-made product for vehicle dealers and rental businesses that provides instant access to its full software suite without the need for a custom-branded, white-label app.

Revii and Neon eliminate fragmented setup processes and enable businesses, campuses, resorts, industrial complexes, campgrounds and more to capture fleet revenue and asset management instantly.

Neon (joyride.city/neon-iot) represents a turnkey hardware-software platform that’s pre-integrated with vehicle rental apps, backend management tools, precise tracking and automated tools. Features include:

• Shared mobility software: connect vehicles to a custom branded dashboard and rental app in days
• Fleet analytics: receive real-time data on fleet location, usage, health, charging and maintenance
• Telematics and vehicle data: tap into all major telemetry, such as battery and geolocation
• Low-latency decision making: experience real-time, machine-to-machine coordination, all without relying on a central server
• Open API: build workflows on top of Joyride’s architecture 
• Wireless security: access secure and flexible connections through WPA/WPA2, WEP (64 and 128bit) and open networks
• FOTA: get the latest software updates sent directly to a Neon device with firmware-over-the-air updates (FOTA)
• AI native: get computing power for adaptive, offline decision-making
• Dual band GPS: integrated L1 and L5 GPS for sub-metre location accuracy
• Can and serial: direct vehicle integration through Can, serial and uart communication protocols
• Vehicle compatibility: operating voltage from 10 to 90V allows for integration across more vehicle types
• Customer service: enable seamless user experiences with global round-the-clock support