RACQ has introduced a new suite of solutions set to revolutionise roadside assistance in Australia.
According to RACQ’s Glenn Toms the new fully integrated solution was the biggest change in roadside assistance history since the early 1920s when RACQ’s expert patrol officers first came to the rescue of motorists.
“RACQ is the first roadside assistance provider in the country to offer integrated cover for everything from e-scooters, e-bikes, bicycles, wheelchairs and mobility scooters through to motor vehicles, motorbikes, large RVs and larger vehicles up to eight tonnes,” Mr Toms said.
“Due to a combination of worsening traffic congestion, cost-of-living pressures, and a changing attitude towards more sustainable ways of living, we’ve seen more people using electric Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) like e-scooters and e-bikes.
“That’s why we’ve launched our first-ever micro-mobility product, RACQ Everyday Lite.
“This new product also addresses a gap in the market for members who rely on mobility aids such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters to remain mobile.”
At the other end of the scale, the new product (RACQ RV) covering larger utes and RVs responds to Queenslanders’ desire to hit the road and explore their own backyard.
“Since Covid, we’ve seen a real explosion in camper trailers and motorhomes, as members get out with their families and explore Queensland,” Mr Toms said.
“Our Roadside Assistance offering for RV owners will mean travellers can have greater peace of mind knowing we’re able to come to their aid if anything was to go wrong on their holiday.
“After such a shocking road toll in 2022 and with so many people set to hit the road for the Easter long weekend, we wanted to get this service ready to roll as soon as possible for our members.
“Breakdowns can be extremely stressful and dangerous. If you do find yourself stuck on the side of the road waiting for assistance, make sure you’re pulled over as far left as possible, turn your hazard lights on, exit through your passenger side door and keep a safe distance away from the road or keep your seatbelt on if you need to stay in your vehicle.”
The new products were designed and validated in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT’s) Centre for Future Enterprise, recognising the growing demand for new ways of transport in the future.
QUT’s Professor Robert Perrons said the biggest change in mobility over the next five to 10 years will be the growth of electrification.
“There’s no doubt there are more electric vehicles on the road than there were only a few years ago, and with the EU banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, it’s likely the rest of the world, including Australia, will follow suit,” he said.
“People also crave convenience, and in the future, commuters will want their transportation solutions to be cheaper, easier, faster, more reliable, more convenient, more efficient and safer.
“Micro-mobility options like e-scooters and e-bikes will become more common because commuters won’t have to rely on heavy vehicles anymore. Instead, they can use devices that are more energy friendly to reach their destination.”
