Continuing on their longstanding partnership, Joyride and Waev Inc. have modernized lightweight electric vehicles with the launch of Ontario’s first internet-connected GEM low-speed vehicle.
First demonstrated in Toronto this summer, Joyride’s advanced telematics platform significantly enhances fleet management and usability for lightweight vehicles in commercial and community environments. With a total investment of over $2.7 million, including over $900,000 from the Ontario government through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and nearly $1.9 million from Joyride and Waev, this project advances the adoption of shared use electric vehicles.
“Our government is proud to support Joyride through OVIN as they expand their made-in-Ontario mobility software, already used by fleet operators around the world, into street-legal low-speed electric vehicles,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “This is exactly the kind of project OVIN was created to support by helping Ontario companies bring next-generation transportation technologies to market, create new good-paying jobs, and compete successfully in global markets.”
The development and integration of Joyride’s proprietary Neon IoT technology into Waev’s street-legal GEM vehicles allows for remote, keyless vehicle access, real-time tracking, battery and performance monitoring, and operational analytics.
These capabilities enable mobility fleet operators to optimize asset utilization, enhance user experience, and generate recurring revenue through data-driven insights.
The Joyride platform is already active in 450 global markets, and within Canada, the reach stretches from Charlottetown, PEI to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario to Penticton, British Columbia. Internationally, the platform supports operators in cities such as Manila, Lisbon, Boston, Chicago and Cape Town, powering a wide range of vehicles from electric scooters and e-bikes to golf carts, low-speed vehicles (LSVs) and medical mobility scooters. Backed by Yamaha Motors, Joyride continues to expand its IoT integration, bringing advanced fleet management solutions to street-legal LSVs for the first time.
“The funding from OVIN has propelled us forward with our Neon IoT with unmatched internet connectivity that changes how vehicles are accessed and managed,” said Vince Cifani, Founder and CEO of Joyride. “When efficient and sustainable LSVs are combined with sophisticated tech, they become powerhouses of data, insights and revenue. They also become safer and more relevant. IoT-connected vehicles open the door to new mobility models at places like hotels and communities—all while reducing planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions.”
Natively integrated with Joyride’s mobile app, fleet dashboard and operations tools, connected GEM vehicles are now synced with crucial operational necessities such as battery health, vehicle performance, idle time, utilization and revenue generation. The combo creates a dynamic business model that enhances asset utilization and optimizes the return on investment for mobility fleet operators.
“Teaming up with Joyride has made street-legal GEM LSVs IoT-connected for the first time. Having GEMs networked in this way makes it painless and profitable to start or maintain a shared vehicle deployment capable of being controlled and managed by mobile devices,” said Paul Vitrano, Senior VP & Chief Legal and Policy Officer at Waev Inc.
In the two years since this OVIN R&D Partnership Fund project began, demand for shared mobility has continued to accelerate. According to McKinsey & Company, the sector could generate up to $1 trillion in consumer spending by 2030. At the same time, the number of global IoT-connected devices has grown by 13%, reaching 18.8 billion.
“Ontario is home to the most forward-thinking innovators with a bold vision for the future of mobility—one that’s connected, shared and electric,” said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN. “By supporting homegrown companies like Joyride on their journey from R&D to bringing their innovative solutions to market, Ontario is accelerating the adoption of new, future-ready urban transportation solutions, translating innovation into economic growth, and transforming everyday life in communities across the province and beyond.”
With approximately 500,000 LSVs sold annually in North America, the need to make vehicles commercially viable and visibly monitored is greater than ever. Joyride’s innovation sets a new benchmark for fleet intelligence and secure, real-time vehicle access.
“Joyride’s launch of Ontario’s first IoT-connected GEM vehicle showcases the incredible impact of made-in-Ontario innovation,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO, Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). “Through support from the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OCIN), OCI is proud to help homegrown companies like Joyride turn R&D into real-world mobility solutions that are not only smart and sustainable, but globally scalable. This project reflects the strength of Ontario’s innovation ecosystem and its ability to lead in the future of transportation.”
For more information about connected low-speed vehicles click here, or reach out to Joyride directly here.
