Riding the Wave: Micromobility’s Resilience and Surge Amidst 2023’s Financial Setbacks and Regulatory Challenges | February 02nd, 2024

Plus, New York City legislators signal a move to regulate micromobility and last-mile delivery and Volvo halts funding for its electric vehicle subsidiary, Polestar.

Issue [#224] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!

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Micromobility

In 2023, the micromobility sector encountered financial woes, yet it remains resilient as cities and providers adapt to evolving demands. Despite setbacks, the industry sees a surge in ridership, highlighting its pivotal role in urban mobility and the need for collaborative solutions amidst regulatory challenges | SmartCitiesDive

The global electric bikes market is projected to witness substantial growth, reaching $118.6 billion by 2030, driven by factors like rising fuel costs, increasing interest in cycling for fitness, and government regulations promoting eco-friendly transportation. However, challenges such as high e-bike costs and bans in certain cities could impede market expansion | Newswires

A recent study highlights that cargo bikes are rated higher than cars in various aspects, leading to an 18.1% reduction in car ownership when people have access to cargo bikes. The survey, conducted in Germany, indicates that users appreciate cargo bikes for being low-stress, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, emphasizing the potential for cargo bikes to influence urban transportation choices positively | Velo

Hilo EV, a British tech startup, has developed IRIS (Intelligent Road Illumination System), an AI-powered lighting module for micromobility vehicles, enhancing their visibility and safety on the road. By dynamically adjusting illumination patterns based on environmental conditions, IRIS aims to mitigate safety concerns and promote broader adoption of micromobility solutions | ZAGDaily

Product Launches & Updates

GoCycle ventures into the cargo e-bike market with its innovative CXi and CX+ models, boasting lightweight designs and adaptable features like the FitFlo adjustable handlebar. The bikes prioritize portability and versatility, targeting customers seeking family-friendly cargo solutions without compromising on convenience | Cycling Weekly

Look Cycle and Cixi collaborate to introduce the Pedal-Electric Regeneration System (PERS), a groundbreaking technology that enables energy regeneration in e-bikes. The system, featured in Look's Rover 45 commuter e-bike, captures energy while braking or pedaling downhill, promising enhanced efficiency and performance | Electric Bike Report

Stellantis sparks excitement by accidentally unveiling the highly anticipated all-electric Jeep® Wagoneer S on Facebook, showcasing its cutting-edge design and groundbreaking features. With a powerful 800-volt powertrain and global appeal, the Wagoneer S promises to redefine electric SUVs while honoring Jeep's iconic heritage | Mopar Insiders

South Korean special-purpose vehicle developer Daeji P&I introduces Cruise LABE, a line of premium electric golf carts featuring innovative design, HVAC systems, and luxurious cabin features. With a four-seat signature version and a six-seat presidential limousine variant, these carts offer comfort, protection from the elements, and elevated amenities, transforming the golf cart experience | Electrek

Volvo Trucks introduces its first-ever electric truck model, the Volvo FM Low Entry, designed exclusively for electric drive and optimized for efficient and safe urban transportation. The innovative heavy-duty truck, part of Volvo's electric range expansion, offers excellent visibility, a lowered driving position, and versatility for various transport tasks | Electric Cars Report

Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery

New York City's upcoming "Department of Sustainable Delivery'' signals a move to regulate micromobility and last-mile delivery, addressing safety and worker concerns. While opinions differ on the approach, the focus remains on striking a balance between safety standards and industry growth to foster a safer and more sustainable cityscape | ZAGDaily

Swiss carsharing platform drivemycar is introducing 30 Microlinos, compact microcars, making up 10% of its fleet. Targeting urban dwellers, especially those keen on eco-friendly short journeys, this move combines the convenience of micromobility with the comfort of a private car, meeting the evolving needs of city-based users | ZAGDaily

Get ready to soar above cityscapes with Volocopter's groundbreaking eVTOL services, launching this summer. From the quiet and efficient VoloCity air taxi for city hops to the longer-range VoloRegion and the versatile VoloDrone for logistics, Volocopter is reshaping urban mobility. CEO Dirk Hoke envisions a future where hopping onto an eVTOL becomes as routine as catching an Uber, making piloting these aircraft a new norm | ZAGDaily

The Adams administration supports a Council bill requiring app-based delivery companies to ensure their workers use safe, certified e-bikes. They propose a trade-in program to replace dangerous devices, addressing safety and fire concerns. However, companies like Uber and DoorDash oppose the bill, fearing potential fraud | StreetsBlog NYC

Uber has filed a legal appeal against Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo's decision to restrict VTCs (tourist vehicles with drivers) from certain streets in Paris. The company argues that these restrictions could lead to transportation issues during the upcoming Olympic Games | Reuters

PJ Poykayil, Grubhub's VP of Logistics, discusses the crucial role of data analytics in ensuring efficient food delivery operations. He highlights the significance of forecasting demand, optimizing driver allocation, and leveraging customer feedback to enhance the delivery experience | Modern Delivery

Investment & Deals

Toronto-based venture firm ArcTern has announced the closure of its largest fund to date, amounting to $335 million (USD). The firm plans to use this capital to support climate-focused startups with the potential for fast returns | TechCrunch

In a bid to accelerate its growth in 2024, British sustainable logistics operator Fin has acquired Urb-it, its rival. Urb-it, based in Stockholm, had filed for bankruptcy in December of the previous year and was subsequently delisted from Nasdaq | ZAGDaily

Motional, the autonomous vehicle company, is losing capital support from one of its key backers as it prepares to launch a robotaxi service in 2024. Automotive supplier Aptiv, the partner in a $4 billion joint venture with Hyundai, is reducing its financial support | TechCrunch

BluSmart, India's competitor to Uber, strengthens EV charging infrastructure with a $25 million investment. This startup currently runs a fleet of 6,000 cabs in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru, along with managing 35 EV charging stations | TechCrunch

Sweden's Heart Aerospace secures $107M Series B funding for ES-30 hybrid-electric plane. The ES-30 offers lower emissions, noise pollution, and operating costs on short-haul routes compared to conventional planes | Tech.eu

Zeelo has acquired Kura, a UK-based school transport specialist. This merger forms the largest virtual bus operation in the UK, catering to a platform with over 40,000 daily riders | Tech.eu

CitySwift, based in Galway, secures €7M funding to enhance its AI-optimized public transport routing platform | Tech.eu

Despite being one of the pioneers in embracing electric cars, Volvo has recently decided to halt funding for its electric vehicle subsidiary, Polestar | New York Post

Cities & Policy

The Dutch Metropolitan Innovations (DMI) ecosystem forms a consortium called Digital Orchestration of Public Spaces (DRO) with a budget of €23M. DRO aims to enhance mobility in Dutch cities through data-driven solutions | ZAGDaily

A lawsuit has been filed against Tesla by 25 California counties, claiming repeated mishandling of hazardous waste at its facilities throughout the state. The legal action comes after failed settlement negotiations that spanned several months | TechCrunch

In the highly divided US House of Representatives, it is a rarity for Republicans and Democrats to find common ground. However, one issue they have unanimously agreed upon is electric bikes, albeit not in the manner we had all anticipated | Electrek

In the highly divided US House of Representatives, it is rare for Republicans and Democrats to find common ground. However, one issue they have unanimously agreed upon is electric bikes, albeit not in the manner we had all anticipated  | StreetsBlog Chicago

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