Cost, Independence, and Eco Benefits Drive U.S. Teens to E-Bikes over Cars | June 14th, 2024

FLIT M2: New folding e-bike, powerful and compact, priced at £1,999 while Hyundai teases INSTER SUV with 355 km range, and Ford simplifies EV dealership rules.

Issue [#243] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!

Micromobility

Europe 2024 showcased a range of innovative personal electric vehicles, highlighting advancements like Voltaire's stylish e-bikes and Luna Systems' safety-focused camera systems. Companies like Cowboy and FLIT also impressed with their designs tailored for urban commuting. These innovations underscore the growing importance of sustainable transportation solutions in modern cities | Electrek

Bad weather, hills, and darkness deter female cyclists more than males. Women face barriers like safety concerns and dress codes. Our study of 200 million bike-share trips found that women are less likely to cycle in bad weather or hilly areas. Solutions include better lighting, electric bikes, and weather-protected paths. Enhancing safety and infrastructure can help close the gender gap in urban cycling | Electrek

More American teens are choosing e-bikes over cars for transportation, driven by cost savings, independence, and environmental concerns. E-bikes are cheaper, easier to use, and offer immediate freedom without the need for a driver’s license. Parents also appreciate the convenience. As cities adapt with better bike lanes, this shift reflects a broader change in how the younger generation views personal mobility | Electrek

Washington, D.C. excels in micromobility with over 18,000 vehicles, including scooters and e-bikes. Veo's fleet expansion and successful operation in the city is driven by clear, supportive policies from DDOT. Notable practices include objective metrics for fleet growth and innovative programs providing free rides for low-income residents. D.C.'s approach to micromobility is inclusive, practical, and effectively integrates mixed fleets, setting a model for other cities | ZAGDaily

Product Launches & Updates

The FLIT M2 is a new British folding e-bike designed specifically for electrification, featuring a hidden 36V 6.4Ah battery and a powerful rear 250W motor for strong acceleration. Unlike Brompton's e-bikes, FLIT's design integrates advanced e-bike components seamlessly. Weighing just 14 kg, it offers ease of transportation and folds compactly. Priced at £1,999, it’s set to launch later this year | Electrek

Hyundai has teased images of its new A-segment all-electric SUV, the INSTER, ahead of its debut at the Busan International Mobility Show. Combining innovation and intimacy, INSTER offers a sleek design with signature LED lighting and pixel-graphic turn signals. It promises a range of 355 km (220 miles) on a single charge. Set to redefine expectations in its class, INSTER launches later this month | Electric Cars Report

Ford is easing its dealership requirements for selling EVs like the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E. Starting July 1, all 2,800 U.S. dealers can sell EVs without needing to invest up to $1.2 million in certifications, chargers, and staff training. This shift, prompted by dealer pushback and market changes, replaces the 2022 Model E program, expanding EV access while addressing dealership concerns | The Verge

Ridehailing, Carsharing, & Delivery 

Waymo has issued its second recall, affecting 672 Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis, after one hit a telephone pole in Phoenix. This follows a February recall after two robotaxis crashed into a towed pickup. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reviewing Waymo's recall documents. The incident underscores the importance of safety and transparency in the autonomous vehicle sector amid heightened regulatory scrutiny | TechCrunch 

Uber and Postmates' challenge against California's AB5 law, requiring gig workers to be employees, was rejected by a U.S. appeals court. This decision upholds treating drivers as employees, not contractors, impacting worker classification laws nationwide amid ongoing legal debates and state regulations. Uber maintains drivers as contractors under Proposition 22. The ruling signifies broader implications for gig economy regulations and worker protections, underscoring ongoing legal battles and potential impacts on companies and workers alike | Reuters 

DisplayRide partners with Drivers Union to enhance safety and support for rideshare drivers in Washington and Oregon. The collaboration introduces DisplayRide's top-rated Rideshare Monitoring Platform, offering tailored safety features and deactivation support. This initiative aims to improve driver and passenger safety, ensuring a better rideshare experience. The platform includes a Deactivation Support System to resolve driver issues swiftly. This partnership underscores efforts to safeguard drivers and enhance industry standards, benefiting both drivers and passengers alike | EIN Presswire

Paris is switching to cargo bikes for deliveries during and after the Olympic Games to cut traffic and pollution. A study suggests using e-cargo bikes could save €544 million by 2030 and reduce emissions by 80%. Paris gives subsidies up to €1,200 for cargo bike purchases to support this shift. It’s a model for other cities looking to make deliveries greener and less crowded | Momentum Magazine 

Investment & Deals

Hitachi Energy is set to invest an additional $4.5 billion by 2027 to bolster the electricity grid and hasten the clean energy transition. The tech giant’s order backlog has tripled to over $30 billion since 2020. The firm also plans to double its investments in manufacturing, engineering, digital, R&D, and partnerships from 2024 to 2027 | Electrek

Porsche Cars North America teams up with ChargePoint, boosting its US charging network to over 86,000. The collaboration, announced ahead of the Taycan and Macan Electric launches, integrates with the My Porsche app for seamless charging. By late 2024, Porsche customers will access 75% of US J1772 and CCS1 ports | Electrek

ARX Robotics, a European robotic systems manufacturer, has secured €9M in seed funding led by the NATO Innovation Fund. The funds will bolster production of its unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), already deployed with several European armies. The move aims to meet the growing demand for autonomous systems in defense and beyond | Tech.eu

General Motors (GM) is injecting $850 million into Cruise, its autonomous vehicle arm, despite previous safety incidents and spending cuts. The investment aims to bolster Cruise's return to testing in Phoenix, Dallas, and Houston, and regain public trust | TechCrunch

Cities & Policy

Climate change is driving road builders to prioritize resilience. With roads facing threats from extreme weather and rising temperatures, the $10 million average cost per mile necessitates durable design. Amid increasing climate disasters, the Federal Highway Administration is guiding efforts to mitigate risks and develop risk-based asset management plans | SmartCitiesDive 

City Comptroller Brad Lander is rallying support for lawsuits to save New York's congestion pricing, following its indefinite delay by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The move has sparked a scramble for alternative revenue sources for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, with legal challenges being considered at multiple levels | Politico

Congressman Earl Blumenauer has introduced the Domestic Bicycle Production Act, aiming to revive U.S. bike manufacturing. The bill proposes incentives for domestic production and tariff suspensions on certain components. Amid a potential bike-buying boom, Blumenauer urges U.S. manufacturers to meet demand with domestically produced bikes | StreetsBlog USA

In response to a controversial incident in Wyoming, U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls is leading the charge on a proposed bill to outlaw "Wildlife Whacking" - the act of using a motor vehicle to intentionally harm wild animals. This practice, currently legal in some parts of the U.S., came under scrutiny when Wyoming resident Cody Roberts ran down a wolf with a snowmobile. The proposed legislation aims to make such actions a felony on federal land, with offenders facing a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years. While the bill is still in its early stages, it represents a significant step towards protecting wildlife from harmful practices | RideApart

New Products, Features, and Data Points

Volkswagen's Elli has unveiled the Elli Charger 2, a smart charger that optimizes the use of solar energy and low-cost electricity periods. This innovation could cut charging costs by up to 40%. The move is part of a broader ecosystem offering, including a partnership with solar panel provider Otovo | Electric Cars Report

Contrary to popular belief, fast-charging doesn't significantly degrade EV battery life, says Recurrent. Data from 13,000+ Teslas shows negligible range degradation difference between frequent and infrequent fast charging. However, extreme temperatures and states of charge should be avoided for optimal battery longevity | InsideEVs

Ataraxy BSC, a UK-based company, has introduced a "virtual axis bicycle seat" that moves with the rider, transferring weight from the sit bones to the legs. The seat, adjustable in multiple ways, aims to enhance rider comfort. However, it's not yet in production and the company is seeking investors. Questions remain about the potential stress on the rider's legs | Electric Bike Report

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