Ride Smart, Ride Stylish: Meet Cowboy's Latest E-Bike Innovation, the Cross | March 22nd, 2024
Plus, Rivian filed a trademark application for the name 'R1X’, and Urban Sharing launched a public API for seamless integration of micromobility into MaaS platforms.
Issue [#231] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!
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Micromobility
London's cycling infrastructure is undergoing a significant expansion, with the cycle network set to quadruple to 360 kilometers by March. The recent completion of Cycleway 4 marks a milestone, connecting more Londoners to high-quality cycling routes, promoting cycling for commuting, leisure, and reducing environmental impact | ZAGDaily
In this episode of #CitiesFirst Podcast, Scott Shepard sat down with Andrew Savage, a key figure in Lime's founding team, to discuss various topics including Lime's evolution in micromobility, the development of its sustainability arm, design factors in promoting mode shift, partnership strategies for public policy, and Savage's mentoring roles at Harvard's iLab and Techstars, contributing to the startup ecosystem's growth | The Cities First Podcast
Electric bike imports faced a slight dip in 2023, while pedal-only bike imports plummeted dramatically. The industry grappled with excess inventory and slashed prices. Despite this, e-bike imports showed resilience, experiencing a more modest decline. E-bikes now claim over 18% of pedal-only bike sales, hinting at a potential industry shift. However, challenges persist amidst the COVID aftermath. Yet, e-bikes emerge as a beacon of resilience, signaling a promising future for micromobility | Bike Magazine
Mixed electric fleets of e-cargo bikes and e-vans could save €500M yearly and slash emissions by 80%, says EIT InnoEnergy study. With 80% e-cargo bikes and 20% e-vans, major cost savings and emissions reduction are projected by 2030. E-cargo bikes prove cost-competitive and sustainable for urban logistics, offering substantial benefits in terms of efficiency and environmental impact. Micromobility solutions like cargo e-bikes from ONO Motion and Vok Bikes show promise in revolutionizing last-mile delivery. Pedal Me, a London-based cargo and passenger bike service, showcases the versatility and sustainability of micromobility options in urban logistics | Tech.eu
Product Launches & Updates
Cowboy unveils its newest e-bike model, the 'Cross,' prioritizing rider safety, fitness optimization, and advanced connectivity features. With Crash and Theft Detection, predictive alerts, and fitness challenges, the Cross offers a seamless and secure riding experience. Boasting a sleek design and automatic functionality, it aims to attract riders seeking both style and practicality | ZAGDaily
Rivian files a trademark application for the name 'R1X,' suggesting a high-performance variant of either the R1S or R1T electric vehicle models. Speculation arises that the 'R1X' could rival competitors like the GMC Hummer EV SUV and Tesla Model X Plaid. Rumors of a flagship version with over 1,000 hp align with this potential new model | Rivian
Fisker, an EV startup, faces production pause due to cash shortage. With just $121M in the bank, it seeks urgent funding. Troubles escalate with software issues and customer service woes. Safety concerns prompt NHTSA investigation. Layoffs and inventory woes add to the challenges. Despite efforts to pivot sales strategy and negotiate partnerships, bankruptcy looms. Negotiations for investment ongoing while facing defaults on convertible notes | TechCrunch
Ampler launches new commuter e-bikes, expanding from streets to trails. Known for sleek design and lightweight, they introduce the Curt Anyroad model for all-road adventures. With thicker tires and advanced drivetrain, it promises optimal power and efficiency. Variants like Curt Low-Step offer accessibility, and new color options enhance customization. Ampler prioritizes quality and tech integration, ensuring innovations benefit riders. Curt Anyroad reflects the brand's commitment to enhancing ride possibilities with thoughtful design updates | Electrek
Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery
The UK Department of Transport unveils a Future of Flight Action Plan, aiming to integrate electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into the country's transport system by 2030. The plan outlines milestones including piloted eVTOL taxi flights by 2026 and regular drone deliveries by 2027, but challenges lie ahead in regulatory hurdles and infrastructure development, casting uncertainty on the ambitious timeline | Tech.eu
The Minneapolis City Council's decision to set a minimum wage for Uber and Lyft drivers sparks rare agreement between Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota Republicans, who both oppose the move. With Uber and Lyft threatening to leave the Twin Cities, concerns arise over the impact on transportation accessibility for people with disabilities, urging stakeholders to find a solution | Fox 9
The Minneapolis City Council plans to replace a defunct newsstand in front of City Hall with a delivery worker rest stop and hub, featuring e-bike battery chargers, rest areas, and office space. Despite some mixed reviews and concerns over design and facilities like restrooms, the project aims to support the city's estimated 60,000 delivery workers by providing essential amenities and infrastructure | Streets Blog NYC
DoorDash and Wing launch drone delivery in Christiansburg, VA, offering Wendy’s menu items through DoorDash app. This expands from a successful pilot in Australia, bringing fast, sustainable delivery to U.S. customers. DoorDash aims to enhance last-mile logistics, providing innovative solutions for consumers and merchants. Pilot begins with plans for further U.S. expansion. Collaboration underscores commitment to advancing delivery options for convenience and efficiency | Business Wire
Harry Campbell and Grayson Brulte discuss Uber's growth and the rideshare industry on The Road to Autonomy podcast. Uber outperforms the S&P 500, but Lyft faces uncertainties. Drivers are vital; Uber drivers earn $33/hr on average. Uber shifts focus to hybrid network with both drivers and autonomous vehicles, aiming for profitability. Uber's new strategy involves partnering with AV companies like Waymo, anticipating higher revenue through platform usage fees | The Road to Autonomy
Investment & Deals
Marc Lore's Wonder secures $700M, highlighting funding opportunities for ambitious delivery ideas and supporting the innovative food hall and delivery startup | Modern Delivery
Candela, the electric boat maker, accelerates its growth with $25M in funding and the inaugural launch of its P-12 ferry in New Zealand. With global ambitions and a track record of delivering numerous highly efficient boats, Candela is making waves in the industry | TechCrunch
With a €10M investment, EIC demonstrates renewed commitment to cargo airline Dronamics. Dronamics specializes in operating large long-range cargo drones, with their flagship Black Swan currently undergoing flight testing | Tech.eu
NOVUS, the e-motorbike startup, secures funding to become the Apple of mobility. With its lightweight carbon fibre monocoque frame and high-performance capabilities, NOVUS aims to revolutionize urban mobility and appeal to non-motorbike riders | Tech.eu
Moove, an African mobility fintech, secured $100 million in funding, led by Uber, for vehicle financing in ride-hailing sectors across 16 markets by 2025, emphasizing EV expansion. "We're doing a lot of work at the moment to prepare the Nigerian market for CNG transition," said the former co-chief executive | TechCrunch
Stellantis, parent company to Jeep and Dodge, invests over $39 million in eVTOL startup Archer, purchasing 8.3 million shares to support the launch of its electric aircraft in 2025, signaling continued confidence | The Verge
Pelikan Mobility electrifies the commercial fleet landscape with a €4 million seed funding boost. Founders David Salfati and Vincent Schachter pioneer a groundbreaking leasing solution, marrying tech innovation with operational efficiency to drive down costs and accelerate EV adoption | Tech.eu
Cities & Policy
New York City tests e-bike battery swapping for safer and more convenient rides. As e-bikes gain popularity among delivery workers and urban commuters, exploring new technology aims to enhance their convenience and reduce risks | MIT Technology Review
Tesla reaches a settlement with Black worker who prevailed in two trials regarding racist discrimination. Owen Diaz, an elevator operator at Tesla's Fremont, California factory in 2015, had previously been awarded $3.2 million in damages by a federal jury | CNBC
Shell anticipates a shift in oil demand by the 2030s, propelled by rising vehicle efficiency and electric vehicle adoption. With EV sales projected to surge, the report underscores the critical need for robust charging infrastructure. Despite this, Shell remains open to hydrogen's potential while navigating evolving regulations and industry dynamics | InsideEVs
The electric two-wheeler market in India is buzzing with energy as over 150 startups zoom into action, revved up by government incentives and a green revolution in transportation. Bernstein's analysis sparks excitement, highlighting a shift towards high-speed models and the nation's electrifying journey towards a sustainable future on two wheels | TechCrunch
As the Environmental Protection Agency prepares to unveil new vehicle emissions rules, tensions rise between environmentalists and automakers over the pace of the electric vehicle transition. The proposed regulations, initially targeting a dramatic increase in EV sales, now face potential delays, sparking debates on the environmental impact and industry readiness | The Verge
New Products, Features, and Data Points
Rivian introduces adapters for access to Tesla's Supercharger network. As the second automaker, following Ford, Rivian now enables its customers to utilize Tesla's extensive Supercharger network across North America | TechCrunch
Urban Sharing launches public API for seamless integration of micromobility into MaaS platforms at Autonomy Expo, enhancing multi-modal travel and customer experience | ZAGDaily
Amber, a Bay Area startup, revs up the aftermarket EV warranty market with AmberCare, targeting Tesla owners facing repair challenges post-warranty. Offering plans from $40 to $120 per month, AmberCare covers drive units, batteries, and more, ensuring peace of mind in uncharted EV territory. With $3.18 million in seed funding, Amber aims to revolutionize EV repair with a vertically integrated platform, tackling common concerns like parts availability and repair costs. With plans to expand nationwide, AmberCare joins a growing ecosystem catering to the evolving needs of used EV owners, promising convenience, affordability, and community engagement in the journey towards sustainable mobility | TechCrunch
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