Green Commuting: Micromobility's Eco-Friendly Benefits and Safety Challenges | May 24th, 2024

Microtransit is criticized for high cost, limited service, while NHTSA investigates Zoox for sudden braking incidents, and gig workers strike over rising expenses.

Issue [#240] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!

Micromobility

Luna Systems has launched a crowdfunding campaign for Luna Oculus, an AI-powered bike safety device. This rear-mounted camera connects to a smartphone app, providing real-time alerts when vehicles approach too closely. It features customizable audio and visual warnings, maps proximity events, and records near-miss incidents. Initially a B2B solution, Luna Oculus is now aiming for direct consumer sales to enhance cyclist safety and contribute valuable data for city infrastructure improvements | Smart Cities World

A new book on cycling across Great Britain reveals the value of investing in bike infrastructure. Safe cycle routes offer impressive benefits like better health, cleaner air, and reduced traffic. Many UK trips are short and easily cyclable, even in rural areas. Investing in cycle paths is cost-effective and provides a high return on investment. However, current funding for active travel is insufficient, highlighting the need for more support and protection | Bloomberg

Micromobility offers eco-friendly transport options like e-bikes and scooters, promoting cost-efficiency and reduced congestion. Safety concerns arise due to accidents and infrastructure gaps. Studies challenge assumptions about their danger compared to cars. Infrastructure upgrades are crucial for safer use. Sustainability depends on durable design and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Broad adoption and safety regulations are essential for their efficient use | Interesting Engineering

Lime reduced its carbon emissions intensity by 59.5% in 2023, compared to 2019. This includes cutting Scope 1 emissions by 16.2% and eliminating Scope 2 emissions entirely. Lime's initiatives, like electrifying 65% of its fleet and using swappable batteries, contribute to this success. They also repurpose e-bike batteries and use 100% renewable energy. Lime plans further expansion with a $55 million investment to add 30,000 new bikes globally in 2024 | Intelligent Transport

Sync Motion by VROEGH Design offers a new subscription service for e-mobility companies, providing on-demand R&D expertise. This flexible model helps firms complete essential tasks without hiring extra staff. Clients can access a wide range of design and engineering services, ensuring efficiency and cost savings. Sync Motion aims to support mobility brands in a challenging market by enhancing their development capabilities and speeding up innovation |  ZAGDaily 

Product Launches & Updates

Bo Mobility and Hypetex are developing the world's first coloured flax fibre e-scooter using FlaxTex, a biodegradable and strong material with a net positive carbon footprint. This innovative material enhances strength and performance through a unique colourisation process. Hypetex received an Innovate UK Smart Grant to further develop FlaxTex, showcasing its potential in micromobility and other industries like construction, automotive, and furniture | ZAGDaily

Kia has unveiled the new EV3, a compact electric SUV featuring bold design, advanced technology, and innovative features. Drawing from the success of the EV9, the EV3 offers a range of up to 600 km, fast-charging capability, and a spacious, sustainable interior. It includes state-of-the-art safety and driving aids, AI integration, and Vehicle-to-Load charging. The EV3 launches in Korea in July 2024 and in Europe later this year | Electric Car Reports

Infinite Mobility, a Norwegian startup, is introducing PV-powered cargo bikes for last-mile deliveries and commuters. Their first model, Inga, is a two-wheeler with a top speed of 25 km/h, featuring 160W solar panels and a 36V lithium-ion battery with a 60 km range per charge. Prototype shipments to European bike stores start this month, with full production beginning in Tunisia next month | PV Magazine

Volkswagen postpones the launch of its ID.7 electric sedan in North America due to market changes and high SUV demand. Despite this delay, the ID Buzz microbus release remains on schedule. The decision reflects the shift towards SUVs in the US auto market. Volkswagen prioritizes the ID.7 Tourer and ID.4 SUV updates, adapting to consumer preferences. This delay impacts the availability of affordable electric sedan options in the US market | The Verge

Aurora and Volvo unveil the Volvo VNL Autonomous truck, equipped with Aurora's self-driving technology, set to hit highways by summer. These trucks will operate autonomously with a safety operator. Pilot programs with customers are planned, aiming for commercialization by 2024. Volvo's robust safety features and Aurora's advanced technology promise a transformative freight transport experience, marking a significant step toward autonomous trucking | TechCrunch

Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery

Uber and Lyft will remain in Minneapolis as the state approves reduced pay rates for drivers. Starting January 1st, 2025, drivers will earn a minimum of $1.28 per mile and 31 cents per minute. The decision follows threats to leave after city officials proposed higher rates. The bill also addresses driver appeals, insurance, and injury compensation, pending Governor Tim Walz's approval | The Verge

Indian startup BluSmart launches a ride-hailing service in Dubai with 100 Audi E-Tron SUVs and 130 drivers. The move aims to compete with Careem, Uber, and Hala. BluSmart plans a formal launch in early June, with Abu Dhabi on the horizon later this year. The EV-focused company, backed by investors like BP Ventures, shows rapid growth, targeting 10,000 vehicles by 2024 | TechCrunch

Advocates caution against the rise of microtransit, likening it to taxpayer-funded Uber. Microtransit services, despite promises of convenience, cost transit agencies more and serve fewer passengers efficiently. Critics argue it disproportionately benefits affluent riders and undermines traditional public transit, endangering driver jobs. Instead, they advocate for investment in core transit services to ensure accessibility and sustainability | Streets Blog USA

NHTSA probes Amazon's Zoox after motorcyclist crashes. Two incidents involve sudden braking, prompting safety scrutiny. Autonomous Toyota SUVs involved. Zoox's unique vehicles, without pedals or wheels, also under investigation for prior safety claims | The Verge

Gig workers protest nationwide over rising car ownership expenses, especially insurance and maintenance. With rates surging, thousands strike for better wages and conditions. Pressure mounts on companies like Uber and Lyft. Insurify data reveals drivers paying $300 more annually for full-coverage insurance. Maintenance costs skyrocket by 36.2%. Safety concerns and underreported earnings add to drivers' woes. Rideshare companies face legislative pushback for fairer compensation | Insurify

Investment & Deals

South 8 Technologies is pioneering a liquified gas electrolyte for EV batteries, promising improved cold-weather performance and a potential 30% cost reduction. Despite initial manufacturing challenges, the startup sees significant future benefits. The recent investment from Porsche Ventures highlights the industry's interest in this innovative technology | TechCrunch

Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust is set to back Elon Musk’s $56 billion pay package, the largest in corporate America, linked to Tesla’s market value. Despite a judge’s rejection, Tesla’s chair campaigns for shareholder votes. The trust’s decision on Tesla’s proposed Texas incorporation is pending | Reuters

John Hess, CEO of Hess Corp., is urging shareholders to back a $53 billion takeover by Chevron. The deal has hit a snag due to Exxon's claim over Hess's stake in Guyana's Stabroek oil field, leading to arbitration. Proxy adviser ISS has suggested abstaining from the vote. The deal's future now depends on the arbitration result and Federal Trade Commission's approval | Bloomberg

Cambridge Electric Transport is on a fundraising mission for its CitiPod e-bike, a compact, covered vehicle designed to revolutionize urban transport. With potential trials by the NHS and Royal Mail, the company aims to have CitiPods on UK roads by mid-2025, marking a significant step towards mass micromobility adoption | ZAGDaily

Cities & Policy

The NHTSA is probing a fatal crash involving a VinFast VF8 SUV. The accident, which resulted in four fatalities, has raised questions about the vehicle’s lane assist feature. This comes amidst previous criticisms and recalls faced by VinFast, highlighting ongoing concerns about the quality of their vehicles | TechCrunch

Sen. Warren and Rep. Garcia have reintroduced the BUILD GREEN Act, proposing a $500 billion investment in electric public transport. The bill emphasizes collective over personal transport, aiming to modernize fleets, cut pollution, and support electric bikeshare and carshare initiatives, with a particular focus on rural areas | Streets Blog USA

The UK’s Automated Vehicles Act, now law, sets the stage for self-driving cars by 2026. The legislation assigns responsibility for accidents to corporations when vehicles are in self-driving mode. This groundbreaking law aims to revolutionize transport, reduce emissions, and enhance safety | TechCrunch

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