Style Meets Adventure: The ‘Lightning Powered Surf Machine’ | March 1st, 2024
Style Meets Adventure: The ‘Lightning Powered Surf Machine’ | March 1st, 2024
Plus, nextbike launched Metrobike, a massive bike share system in Poland, Xiaomi showcased the SU7 at MWC, and Marti Technologies is introducing its taxi-hailing service.
Issue [#228] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!
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Micromobility
Dive into the fiery debate surrounding America's "Safe Systems" approach to roadway safety! Experts are pulling no punches as they dissect the shortcomings in resource allocation and accountability within this framework. From lackluster awareness campaigns to the urgent need for dynamic solutions, the conversation is heating up. Join the passionate discourse as we navigate the twists and turns of this critical issue, all with the goal of making our roads safer and more accessible for everyone | StreetsBlog USA
London's bike boom gains momentum but grapples with challenges as popularity soars. With safety and infrastructure strains, the city's cycling scene faces a bumpy ride ahead. Get ready to pedal through the twists and turns of this urban adventure! | Bloomberg
Candice Xie, CEO of Veo, a profitable micromobility business, discusses the challenges as one of the few female CEOs in the industry and highlights Veo's sustainable business model. With a focus on profitability over rapid growth, Veo has been EBITDA profitable since 2020 and is strategically scaling its micromobility offerings to meet diverse rider needs | ZAGDaily
nextbike introduces Metrobike, a massive bike share system spanning 31 cities in Poland's Upper Silesian Metropolitan Region. With 7,000 bikes and seamless integration into public transport, Metrobike revolutionizes urban mobility, offering free usage for pass holders and enhancing accessibility through MaaS integration, setting a new standard for sustainable transportation options | ZAGDaily
As e-bike incentives gain momentum across the US, a new study urges policymakers to balance accessibility and efficiency in rebate programs. While immediate point-of-purchase rebates drive adoption, targeting lower-income groups optimizes e-bike uptake. Despite doubts about their carbon footprint impact, e-bike incentives promise broader benefits beyond emissions reduction, advocating for smarter policies as cities gear up for spring biking initiatives | Bloomberg
Safe and separated bike lane projects are a hit, attracting people like bees to honey, according to a study. Conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) in Ireland, the study reveals that while initial skepticism exists, communities tend to embrace cycling infrastructure once implemented, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication and meaningful consultation to garner public support | Momentum Magazine
Product Launches & Updates
Super73 and Howler Brothers join forces to launch the 'Lightning Powered Surf Machine,' an exclusive e-bike blending Super73's innovative technology with Howler Brothers' outdoor lifestyle touch. More than a mode of transport, this collaboration caters to urban adventurers, featuring a surfboard rack, flyrod holder, and Baja cruiser-inspired design, positioning it as a lifestyle statement for niche enthusiasts | BNN Breaking
Embark on a futuristic journey with Honda's electric UNI-ONE! This innovative device merges XR adventures with real-world mobility, promising endless excitement. Unveiling at SXSW, it's time to redefine urban exploration! | Electrek
Get ready to hit the streets in style! Microlino Lite, the electric vehicle sensation, rolls into Geneva, offering a sleek ride for drivers aged 14 and up. Experience eco-friendly urban mobility like never before | ZAGDaily
Xiaomi dazzles MWC attendees with the SU7, a high-performance EV boasting cutting-edge technologies. Beyond sleek aesthetics, Xiaomi's vision revolves around HyperOS, a connectivity marvel designed to seamlessly link personal devices, smart homes, and cars, promising a tech-forward driving experience | TechCrunch
Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery
Revolutionizing rideshare experiences nationwide, DisplayRide teams up with T-Mobile to deliver reliable high-bandwidth connectivity. Say goodbye to dropped connections and hello to seamless in-car experiences. Discover more about this game-changing collaboration now! | EIN Presswire
Buckle up for an exciting ride! GM's Cruise is revving back into action, ready to resume robotaxi testing after a brief pause. With safety enhancements and regulatory clearance, they're accelerating toward the future of autonomous driving | Bloomberg
New York City's rideshare landscape has experienced a rapid shift towards electrification, with the number of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) quintupling in just a few months, surpassing 10,000 vehicles. And with companies like Revel and Bluedot at the forefront of providing charging infrastructure, the surge underscores a pivotal shift toward sustainability in urban transportation | @Harry Campbell via LinkedIn
Marti Technologies, Türkiye's leading mobility super app, introduces its taxi-hailing service, marking its sixth modality. The move follows the success of its ride-hailing service and aims to enhance driver availability, benefiting both taxi drivers and the app's 4.7 million unique riders in Istanbul | BusinessWire
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed a significant lack of data on assaults involving taxi and ride-hailing services, highlighting a dearth of reporting requirements. Despite notable incidents and lawsuits against companies like Uber and Lyft, comprehensive and standardized data on assaults remains elusive, hampering efforts to understand the true extent of the issue | Smart Cities Dive
Investment & Deals
Amsterdam's Sparqle secures €1.2M to enhance its sustainable delivery platform, backed by business angels and the Graduate Entrepreneur Fund. The investment fuels tech development, expands the eco-friendly delivery network, and accelerates Sparqle's European expansion. Co-founder Ruurd Tjeerdema highlights the platform's focus on greener solutions, addressing the urgent need for sustainability in city logistics. Sparqle's integration of retailers and eco-friendly methods ensures efficient, environmentally friendly deliveries. The funding aligns with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, reinforcing Sparqle's commitment to transparency and sustainability | Tech.eu
Polestar revs up with $1 billion in funding after Volvo split. The EV brand secures $950 million from global banks like BNP Paribas and HSBC, supporting its independence from Volvo. Geely, the remaining owner, reaffirms commitment to Polestar's growth and production plans, including upcoming electric SUVs. Polestar CEO Thomas Ingelath states, "Securing funding reflects our partners’ support for growth," reinforcing the company's path towards cash flow break-even by 2025. The financing provides a financial runway, crucial for Polestar's ambitious 2025 business targets | Electrek
Cityscoot, a leading micromobility provider in Paris, encountered acquisition by Cooltra amidst financial hurdles. Cooltra's €400,000 offer focuses on obtaining Cityscoot's assets, particularly its user base, with an additional planned investment of €1.5 million for the merger. The acquisition gains approval from the commercial court, aligning with broader industry changes such as Bird's bankruptcy and Tier and Dott's merger. In navigating sector turbulence, Cooltra emphasizes a seamless transition, ensuring the continued presence of Cityscoot's iconic electric mopeds and user services in the evolving economic scenario | TechCrunch
During a recent interview with TechCrunch, CEO Carlos Tavares shared that Stellantis, the automaker responsible for 14 brands including Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram, is not only continuing its collaboration with Waymo, the autonomous vehicle technology company, but also deepening their partnership | TechCrunch
Range Energy has secured $23.5 million in fresh financing led by Trousdale Ventures. The funding will accelerate on-road decarbonization by enabling the rollout of customer pilots and preparing for full-scale production. Range Energy aims to facilitate the transition to electric-powered commercial trailers, easing the shift for fleet owners and operators | BusinessWire
ev.energy, a top EV charging software platform, is chosen for California Energy Commission's REDWDS grant. With $41M in funding, it aims to provide affordable EV charging for all. Through partnerships with utilities and CCAs, ev.energy will create a dynamic EV virtual power plant | Telematics News
Cities & Policy
NYC Council strengthens measures against fire-prone e-bikes by targeting sellers of devices with faulty lithium-ion batteries. Councilmember Gale Brewer is behind the changes, which make penalties higher for selling uncertified e-bikes and require stores to have safety info. This is in response to a 20% increase in fires caused by bad batteries. They want to balance safety with people who use e-bikes for work. Also, they are making things easier for street vendors to deal with paperwork, helping small businesses | Gothamist
Smart cities, once hailed for their innovation, faced reality checks during the pandemic. Now, a shift toward human-centric, locally-implemented projects aims to improve urban life | Scott S. via LinkedIn
As part of Spain's 2050 climate action plan, a significant step towards sustainable travel involves a proposed ban on short-haul domestic flights with a rail alternative under two and a half hours to reduce carbon emissions. Initially targeting flights under four hours, the plan aims to potentially cut 300,000 tonnes of CO2. Despite criticism branding it "ineffective," the initiative aligns with global efforts for environmentally friendly transportation. Specific route impacts and implementation timelines are pending further legislative processes, adding uncertainty to the initiative | Euro News
Con Edison, the utility company, plans to incentivize EV charging operators in NYC for reducing demand during peak times. Revel, a rideshare and fast-charging provider, will be the initial participant in Con Edison's new program. The aim of these incentives is to assist in lowering operating costs for charging stations | Smart Cities Dive
Accurately measuring distracted driving has been difficult until recently. In 2021, the government estimated 3,522 deaths due to distractions, but experts believe the actual number is much higher, as it's challenging to definitively prove distracted driving as a cause of crashes | Vox
New Products, Features, and Data Points
Amazon's Ring Car Cam faces uncertainty, currently unavailable on its page with potential discontinuation. Launched three years ago, its struggle stems from unclear target users—whether safety enthusiasts or car aficionados. Priced at $199 with a $6 monthly fee, it faced tough competition from more affordable dashcams. Innovative features, like utilizing the car's port and a "traffic stop" mode, weren't enough to sustain it. The discontinuation prompts reflection on evolving preferences for effective and accessible car security solutions | TechCrunch
Lucid Air, the electric sedan, introduces a feature akin to Tesla's Dog Mode. Called Creature Comfort Mode, it caters to your furry companions during road trips. This feature is accessible through an over-the-air (OTA) update, ensuring a comfortable experience for your pets | Electrek
Contrary to recent headlines, electric car sales have soared by over 30%, surpassing combustion engine growth rates. In markets like China, combustion car sales have declined, while in pioneering countries like Norway, electric vehicles dominate the market. Combustion engine sellers would envy the impressive figures achieved by electric cars | The Last Driver License Holder
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