Shared Scooters and E-Bikes: Is the Micromobility Dream Dead? | January 5th, 2024
Shared Scooters and E-Bikes: Is the Micromobility Dream Dead? | January 5th, 2024
Also, XPENG launched its flagship model the XPENG X9, Hero MotoCorp is set to unveil Harley X440-based roadster, and Rimac is teaming up with Kia to launch a robotaxi service.
Issue [#220] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!
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Micromobility
Yamaha enters the e-bike battery-swapping arena with its new venture, ENYRING, focusing on collaborations in Europe, starting with Berlin and the Netherlands. ENYRING aims to ease the recharging process for electric bicycle batteries by providing swappable stations throughout cities, reducing hassle and costs | Electrek
The shared electric scooter industry is in crisis mode, with companies like Superpedestrian, Bird, and others facing closures due to a mix of operational hurdles, city regulations, and overreliance on venture capital. Superpedestrian's abrupt shutdown highlights broader industry challenges, signaling a call for a radical rethinking of business strategies to ensure the survival and sustainability of shared micromobility | TechCrunch
DYU, a leading electric bicycle manufacturer, introduces the DYU T1 Pedal Assist Torque Sensor Foldable Electric Bike. With its foldable magnesium alloy frame, smart torque sensor tech, and safety-focused features, the T1 is not just a mode of transport; it's a lifestyle upgrade, promising a smooth and stylish ride through the city hustle | Newswires
In 2024, Håkan Lutz envisions a dynamic shift in urban mobility, debunking the myth of EVs as saviors and championing electric minimobility. As the CEO of Luvly, he anticipates a surge in last-mile delivery fleets, emphasizes the power of collective action, and calls for genuine sustainability over mere talk | ZAGDaily
Product Launches & Updates
Porsche's upcoming Taycan model, tested at the Nurburgring, outpaces the current version by 26 seconds, setting a lap time of 7:07:55. This new record beats the Tesla Model S Plaid by 18 seconds, signaling Porsche's intent to reclaim the title of the fastest four-door electric vehicle (EV) at the iconic racetrack | Electrek
Get ready to ride in style! XPENG rolls out the X9, a sleek 7-seater electric marvel, blending futuristic tech with practicality. Priced between $50,800 and $59,200, this smart EV, armed with SEPA2.0 technology architecture, transforms from an MPV to a spacious SUV with a click, setting a new standard for family-friendly, high-performance electric rides | Electric Car Reports
Meet UNNO's sleek IKKI e-bikes – the Race and Factory editions. Powered by the ultra-quiet TQ HPR50 motor, these lightweight wonders offer top-tier performance. With a full suspension setup, premium features, and an optional range extender, these e-bikes redefine the riding experience | Notebook Check
Hero MotoCorp is set to unveil its own version of the Harley-Davidson X440, marking the company's entry into the premium segment. The 440cc retro-inspired roadster, anticipated to debut on January 22, 2024, shares underpinnings with the X440, featuring a reliable 440cc single-cylinder engine, retro styling, and practical features suitable for daily commuting and weekend rides | RideApart
Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery
In the city that never sleeps, NYC's new delivery worker minimum wage is reshaping the race-against-time culture. Now paid a fair $17.96 per hour, couriers are cruising for safety rather than speed. Yet, app tweaks to tipping and alleged pressure tactics hint at a battle between fair pay and delivery deadlines | StreetsBlog NYC
Rimac, the Croatian electric supercar manufacturer, is teaming up with Kia to launch a robotaxi service, aiming to provide accessible electric mobility options. While the Rimac Nevera electric supercar serves as an inspiration, the robotaxi, part of the Rimac Group's Project 3, aims to revolutionize urban transportation with plans for autonomous operation and a dedicated factory | Electrek
China's robotaxi companies, once heavily funded and aspiring to lead the self-driving revolution, are shifting focus due to challenges in achieving widespread commercialization. Faced with funding challenges and the elusive goal of fully autonomous rides, companies like Baidu are shifting gears, focusing on selling advanced driver assistance tech, in a bid to survive and monetize their technologies | TechCrunch
Investment & Deals
GIN E-Bikes has obtained a £510,000 investment to support its expansion efforts and the creation of new bike models. These e-bikes from GIN are specially designed for both on-road and off-road usage, incorporating hybrid features that elevate the riding experience | Tech.eu
Rivian produced 17,541 vehicles and delivered 13,972 in Q4, resulting in mixed investor response and a pre-market share drop | TechCrunch
Airbus has submitted a non-binding offer of 1.5-1.8 billion euros ($1.6-$2.0 billion) for Atos's valuable cybersecurity unit BDS. This move by the planemaker aims to bolster its financial position as it faces financial challenges | Reuters
Mitsubishi HC Capital of Japan intends to sell approximately £500 million ($637 million) worth of rail assets in the United Kingdom, according to a report by The Times newspaper | BNN Bloomberg
Cities & Policy
A recent study reveals that narrower city streets can enhance safety for both vehicles and pedestrians, challenging the common belief. The research demonstrates that narrower lanes have the potential to improve overall safety conditions | The Drive
Overlooked Tech That Kept Cities Moving in 2023 has the practical and impactful innovations implemented in cities like Miami and New York City, including on-demand transit services, optimized bus networks, advanced payment systems, and other advancements that contributed to enhancing urban mobility | TechCrunch
In a green mobility revolution, Paris, Milan, Seville, and Brussels are transforming urban landscapes. Paris leads with centralized planning, Milan reclaims public spaces, Seville champions cycling, and Brussels breaks from auto-centricity. Amidst Paris’ limelight, these cities emerge as unsung heroes of sustainable urbanism | The #CitiesFirst via LinkedIn
Renowned for its laid-back and progressive culture, Colorado has established itself as a frontrunner in various areas, including its dedicated efforts to improve air quality. This commitment has sparked a new wave of eco-friendly transportation, with the state offering attractive incentives for e-bikes | Clean Technica
New Products, Features, and Data Points
The automotive industry has evolved, with in-car safety systems now serving as both life-saving measures and desirable technological advancements for everyday commuting | TechCrunch
Meredot, a charging technology company, has introduced a universal wireless charger specifically aimed at enhancing accessibility for Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) | ZAGDaily
Scientific consensus affirms that battery-powered cars are cleaner than petrol or diesel equivalents, emitting fewer emissions despite some associated with production and driving | The Guardian
The advent of wireless charging solutions is bringing forth a new era of convenience and accessibility for electric vehicles (EVs) | Tech.eu
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