E-bike subscription startup Whizz sees opportunity in NYC's e-bike crackdown | June 7th, 2024

Latin American ridehailing balances cash access for drivers with safety concerns; Uber offers credit-only payments and California bill regulates robotaxis.

Issue [#242] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!

Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery

Whizz, an NYC-based e-bike subscription startup, thrives amidst city crackdowns on uncertified e-bikes. CEO Mike Peregudov sees regulations as an opportunity. With subscriptions ranging from $139 to $149 per month, Whizz offers high-quality e-bikes, maintenance, anti-theft protection, and discounts for Grubhub and DoorDash couriers. Recently funded with $12 million, Whizz aims to expand nationally and introduce e-mopeds. Their efficient software and tailored services set them apart in the evolving micromobility market | TechCrunch

In Latin America, cash payments in ride hailing offer drivers quick access to earnings, boosting liquidity for daily expenses. However, this raises safety concerns, as drivers carry substantial cash, making them potential targets. To address this, platforms like Uber now allow drivers to opt for credit-only payments, enhancing safety but possibly reducing demand. The balance between liquidity and safety remains a key issue for ride hailing services in the region | The Rideshare Guy 

Archer Aviation, a San Jose-based electric aviation company, secured FAA Part 135 certification, crucial for its on-demand air taxi service. Their eVTOL, "Midnight," with a range of 100 miles and speeds up to 150 mph, awaits type certification for full commercial launch. Archer aims to revolutionize urban transportation with eco-friendly air taxis, joining pioneers like Joby Aviation and Volocopter in shaping the future of aerial mobility | The Verge

GM's Cruise restarts testing of robotaxis in Dallas to validate self-driving systems and rebuild trust after a pedestrian incident in San Francisco led to a fleet pullout. With just three vehicles initially, Cruise focuses on manual driving for data collection. Texas, already a hub for autonomous vehicle testing, emerges as a potential battleground. Cruise eyes a cautious relaunch in California, opting for safety over speed | TechCrunch

Micromobility

At the 2024 Micromobility Europe Startup Awards, five innovative startups presented cutting-edge light electric vehicles: bo Mobility, PIX Moving, eWAKA Mobility, Electric Bicycle Innovation (EBI), and Anod. bo Mobility, featuring a distinctive e-scooter design, won the award. Key innovations included sustainable materials, modular vehicle designs, enhanced e-bike affordability, and reduced environmental impact, highlighting the future of sustainable urban transportation | ZAGDaily 

By 2035, the global micromobility market is predicted to reach $520 billion, driven by regulatory support and growing consumer interest. McKinsey’s forecast highlights increased investment in infrastructure and rising e-bike popularity, which accounts for nearly 40% of the current market. Europe leads the way with Germany, France, and the UK as top markets. Despite short-term slowdown, long-term growth remains strong for micromobility solutions | ZAGDaily

The US has lost almost all its bike manufacturing to China, which now controls 86% of the US market. To reverse this, Congressman Earl Blumenauer proposes a bill to boost domestic production through tariff suspensions, tax credits, and low-interest loans. The goal is to make US-made bikes more competitive and affordable, and to strengthen the e-bike market against rising tariffs on Chinese imports | The Verge

Product Launches & Updates

The Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike has become the third best-selling electric vehicle in the US, after Tesla's Model Y and Model 3. Its success is driven by affordability at $999, a versatile 500W motor, and a foldable fat-tire design suitable for various terrains. With over 400,000 units sold since 2019, the Lectric XP 3.0 highlights a growing shift towards sustainable and practical transportation alternatives | Electrek

Jeep unveiled its first US electric vehicle, the Wagoneer S, priced at $71,995. This premium SUV offers a 300-mile range, 600 horsepower, and distinctive features like a 45-inch dashboard display and unique design elements. Set for release this fall, the Wagoneer S marks Jeep’s significant step into the electric vehicle market, aiming to balance luxury with advanced performance and eco-friendly driving options | The Verge

Navee has launched the M1, a compact and durable shared e-bike designed for urban commuters. With a 75 km range, robust build, and features like IPX7 waterproofing, the M1 reduces operational costs and meets city transport needs. It offers flexibility with customizable options and suits various rider heights, positioning itself as a cost-effective solution for city transport. Pre-orders are available ahead of its showcases at major micromobility events | ZAGDaily

Teledriving startup Vay will launch remotely controlled vehicles in Belgium in partnership with Ush and car-share provider Poppy, pending permit approval. This initiative aims to boost car-share efficiency and user experience. Vay, the first in Europe to operate driverless on public roads, has also launched in Las Vegas and plans to enhance maintenance, delivery, and collection through remote driving | Tech.eu

Investment & Deals

Belgian bike leasing company Cyclobility was acquired by private equity firm Down2Earth Capital, marking a new phase for the company’s growth | ZAGDaily

Qargo, the transport management solution transforming the logistics industry, recently secured £11 million in Series A funding led by Balderton Capital. This fresh investment will fuel Qargo’s expansion into new markets, enhance product development, and strengthen their engineering team to keep pace with their rapidly growing customer base | Balderton

AI firm Neural Concept secured $27 million in Series B funding to fuel global expansion. Investors like Forestay Capital and D.E. Shaw Group are backing the company's use of deep learning to speed up design processes in industries like automotive and aerospace | TechCrunch

French startup Decade Energy secured €3.6 million to electrify logistics. Founded by Volta Trucks veterans, Decade offers a one-stop shop for companies transitioning to electric fleets, aiming to make EVs competitive with diesel and accelerate emission reduction in Europe | Tech.eu

Joby Aviation, an electric air taxi developer, acquired Xwing's autonomy division to gain a lead in self-flying taxis. Xwing brings expertise in pilotless flight tech and FAA certifications. This move could bolster Joby's existing partnership with the Department of Defense. Joby aims to launch electric air taxis with pilots in 2025 and sees autonomy as a future key | The Verge

French EV charging platform Gireve secured €20 million to expand across Europe. The investment will enhance its network of 500,000 stations and develop new features like "Plug & Charge'' for smoother charging. Gireve aims to become a global leader in the electric vehicle charging industry | Tech.eu

Cities & Policy

E-scooter company Voi threatens to leave London's trial, citing stricter rules compared to e-bikes. Voi complains limited parking, slow speeds, and restricted zones make e-scooters uncompetitive. The company might exit London or switch to e-bikes, potentially creating a single e-scooter operator in the city | ZAGDaily

A new California bill aims to let cities like San Francisco and San Jose regulate robotaxi services, allowing them to limit the number of vehicles, set fare caps, and impose fines. This legislation, which mirrors rules for traditional taxis, seeks to balance innovation with public safety. Opponents argue it could hinder autonomous vehicle progress with inconsistent regulations across the state | San Francisco Examiner

Hermosa Beach banned electric bikes and other motorized vehicles from its greenbelt and restricted e-bike usage on the Strand and Pier Plaza. The city will require e-bike rental businesses to use geofencing technology to disable motors in off-limit zones. New rules aim to address concerns about speeding and reckless e-bike riders | Daily Breeze

Senator Joe Manchin criticizes the Biden administration's easing of EV tax credit rules, arguing it allows China to dominate the U.S. EV supply chain. Manchin, now an independent, contends this violates the Inflation Reduction Act’s intent to bolster local battery production and reduce reliance on Chinese materials | Green Car Reports

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