Imperial Green Mobility turns 10

"Ten years in business through a challenging economic and political environment is really something we are proud of," says Jonathan Cohen, managing director of Imperial Green Mobility. "Green mobility is a hot topic in South Africa but is taking time to filter into action. There is so much information on the devastating effect carbon emissions have on our environment. The technology is there to help us lead more sustainable, responsible lives."

Noteworthy accolades

Reflecting back on the last decade, Imperial Green Mobility has achieved a number of noteworthy accolades, one of which includes turning Segway into a well recognised brand in South Africa. "Most shopping malls rely on Segway to give their guards added efficiency, awareness, response speed and productivity. Besides the major security influence that Segway has provided to police and security, there are Segway guided tours at the majority of tourist hotspots around South Africa," says Jonathan.

They also plan to build on their already impressive wide range of vehicles that assist many different types of markets. They have recently added Marshell - a new golf cart, shuttle cart and electric shuttle bus brand - to their portfolio of products and are confident that over the next few years, Marshell will be the most well known and well liked electric cart / bus brand in Africa.

Massive growth in the delivery of fast food and online purchases has resulted in many customers renting electric delivery scooters. The E-max Delivery Scooter has become hugely popular because it requires little maintenance and no petrol.

Post Office project

"In 2012 the South African Post Office purchased five 120SD E-max scooters to pilot the delivery capability of the electric scooter and to help them achieve their sustainability goals," says Jonathan. "The purchase was the start of a much larger project with the South African Post Office. Since then we have been testing battery and motor technology to ensure we can provide the Post Office with a solution that will enable them to use the scooters with the same required range as petrol scooters. We have now finally achieved this with state-of-the-art battery, controller and motor technology."

Imperial Green Mobility is also ardent when it comes to community development. As part of the Imperial Group, Imperial Green Mobility empowers young interns to learn and work with the company to develop their knowledge and qualifications around electric and other green mobility technology. Recently, the company provided the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth with a fleet of electric, off-road vehicles to modify, test and implement in the fight against rhino poaching.