Surge of E-Bike Sales in Europe Driven by Government Incentives | July 5th, 2024
Micromobility solutions like e-scooters and bikes reshape urban transport, EU promotes cycling, and McKinsey predicts micro-EV market growth.
Issue [#246] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!
Micromobility
According to the podcast, micromobility solutions such as e-scooters and bikes are reshaping urban transportation by offering quick, green alternatives to cars. Cities are increasingly integrating these options to alleviate traffic, cut emissions, and offer cost-effective travel. These initiatives enhance transportation accessibility and contribute to urban sustainability, making micromobility an essential element of modern city planning | The #CitiesFirst Podcast
The EU Declaration on Cycling, as discussed by Jill Warren, CEO of the European Cyclists’ Federation, emphasizes immediate action for cycling development. It underscores the benefits of quickly implementable measures and urges inclusion in national decarbonization plans. The Declaration outlines principles and commitments to enhance infrastructure, safety, and policy support. Its goal is to elevate cycling's status as a strategic mode of transport, guiding future EU policies and fostering collaboration across all levels of government | ZAGDaily
McKinsey predicts the micro-EV market, including e-bikes and scooters, will skyrocket from $160 billion to $520 billion by 2035. Growth will be driven by government regulations and increased consumer demand for eco-friendly transport. E-bikes, mainly used for commuting, are the largest segment. European countries dominate the market, with e-bikes accounting for 40% of sales. Expanded micromobility infrastructure will further boost adoption | Electric Bike Reports
E-bikes now outsell traditional bikes in many European countries, driven by government incentives like rebates and leasing programs. This boom helps reduce car trips, cutting emissions and freeing up urban space. E-bikes, popular for commuting and daily tasks, offer a practical, faster alternative to pedal-only bikes. Their adoption is growing in North America, though it still lags behind Europe, where supportive infrastructure is more developed | Bloomberg
Starting July 10, Citi Bike will raise e-bike rates for the second time this year in New York City. Annual members will pay $0.24 per minute, up from $0.20, while non-members' rates will rise from $0.30 to $0.36 per minute. Lyft, the operator, attributes the hike to higher costs for battery swapping, insurance, and vehicle upkeep. Rates in New Jersey remain unchanged | ABC7
Product Launches & Updates
DJI, known for its drones, is entering the e-bike market with the Avinox drive system and the carbon fiber Amflow PL electric mountain bike. Set to debut in late 2024, the bike boasts 120Nm torque, a 1000W boost, a fast-charging removable battery, and a lightweight design. Features include a color touchscreen, wireless app, USB charging, and a full suspension system. Pricing is between $7,500 and $12,850 | The Verge
XPeng has introduced its new AI-focused electric sedan, the MONA M03, with a starting price under $27,500. Set to launch in August, the M03 offers advanced smart driving features and boasts a sleek design with a drag coefficient of 0.194 Cd. It's available in two variants with 140 kW and 160 kW motors. This model aims to rival Tesla’s Model 3 and boost XPeng's BEV sales | Electrek
MINI will debut its first electric John Cooper Works model at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. This prototype, featuring advanced electric power and innovative design, represents a major step in MINI's move toward electromobility. The festival will also showcase the new MINI Countryman, Aceman, and Cooper models, including electric variants, with interactive experiences available for visitors from July 11-14 | Electric Car Reports
ZF unveiled its new ultra-compact e-bike drive units at Eurobike 2024. The CentriX 70 (75 Nm, 450 W) and CentriX 90 (90 Nm, 600 W) motors feature a strain-wave gearing system, offering a compact design ideal for eMTBs and urban bikes. Weighing just 2.5 kg, these drive units integrate seamlessly into frames, with the Raymon Tarok Ultra being the first production eMTB to use the CentriX 90 | Pink Bike
Ridehailing, Carsharing, & Delivery
Drone delivery is advancing rapidly, with major players like Amazon, Zipline, and Wing scaling up operations. The US House passed legislation easing drone startup regulations, sparking a competitive Dallas battleground. Food delivery dominates, benefiting from faster service and higher margins. Challenges remain with regulatory hurdles and operational costs, especially in urban areas. As technology evolves, diverse strategies from off-the-shelf drones to advanced eVTOLs shape the market's future | Ottomate
Uber expands into water transport across Europe with Uber Reserve, offering luxury yacht rides in Ibiza starting August. This move responds to increased demand in Greece and Spain, aiming to enhance its service portfolio and cater to affluent travelers seeking exclusive, scenic experiences. The launch underscores Uber’s strategy to diversify beyond land-based ridesharing, potentially setting a new standard in urban mobility options | Forbes
Uber and Lyft will pay Massachusetts rideshare drivers a minimum of $32.50 per hour starting August 15, along with benefits like sick leave and healthcare stipends. Despite these changes, drivers remain classified as independent contractors. This settlement, following a lawsuit, also includes a $175 million payout to drivers for past underpayments. The agreement mandates annual audits and regulatory compliance, setting a precedent amidst ongoing legal battles over gig worker classification | The Verge
Police in Phoenix stopped a Waymo robotaxi for driving on the wrong side of the road due to unclear signage. The incident highlights ongoing challenges with autonomous vehicle integration. Emergency responders are being trained to interact safely with driverless vehicles. Waymo responded, attributing the confusion to construction signs. This underscores the need for clearer regulations and improved communication in the autonomous vehicle sector to ensure safe and efficient operations | The Last Driver License Holder
Investment & Deals
NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced a $5.6 million federal grant from USDOT's RAISE program to create the Urban Freight Mobility Collaborative (UFC), aiming for a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2032. Supported by Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Comptroller Brad Lander, the UFC will establish public-private partnerships, engage various stakeholders, and focus on data collection, freight modeling, and sustainable last-mile delivery. Projects include micro-distribution centers, electric freight vehicles, and the Blue Highways program for marine infrastructure, enhancing NYC's urban freight management | NYC DOT
Facing financial pressure, Fisker is seeking court approval to sell its remaining inventory of 3,231 Ocean SUVs to American Lease for $46.25 million. This sale is crucial for Fisker to generate $2.8 million by July 12th to cover expenses. A hearing is scheduled for July 11th, with unsecured lenders concerned about their share of the proceeds. American Lease initially committed to buying 2,100 electric vehicles in May, but later increased their order to encompass all available stock. Despite concerns about the rapid approval process and the possibility of Chapter 7 liquidation, Heights Capital Management has endorsed the deal. CEO Henrik Fisker and co-founder Geeta Gupta-Fisker will remain on payroll in the meantime | TechCrunch
British cargo bike delivery firm Zedify just secured £4 million to fuel their Midlands expansion via a new hub opening this October. This strategic move targets ramping up sustainable deliveries throughout the region. Zedify boasts partnerships with major brands and carriers, who value the eco-friendly advantage of e-cargo bikes – boasting an 80% CO2 emissions reduction compared to electric vans. The funding will fuel tech upgrades, rider team growth, and improved customer care as they target 51 UK cities in five years | ZAGDaily
Eve Air Mobility raised $94 million to advance its eVTOL development. The Brazilian company holds letters of intent for 2,900 eVTOLs, valued at $14.5 billion, with $935 million potential service revenue. Investors include Embraer, Nidec, and financial entities. Offering solutions like the Vector urban air traffic management software, Eve's electric aircraft has a 60-mile range for intra-city flights. Simulations in Rio de Janeiro, using helicopters, showcased their innovative urban air mobility potential. CFO Eduardo Couto highlighted financial stability and strategic partnerships, reinforcing Eve's market opportunity | ZAGDaily
Ahmedabad EV startup Matter revs up with $35M to scale production, marketing, and retail for its AERA motorbike. Launched in early 2023, AERA already boasts 40,000 pre-orders, with deliveries set for the festive season. This US VC Helena-led investment fuels India's ambitions to become a global EV leader | Entreprenur
Amsterdam-based Roboat, a spin-off from MIT and AMS, raised €550,000 from LUMO Labs and SHIFT Invest to transform urban waterway transport. Their AI software, used by Amsterdam's GVB, navigates Dutch waterways and fits new or retrofitted ships for people, goods, and waste. Collaborating across Europe, Roboat addresses congestion and operational costs, positioning itself in a growing market for sustainable transport solutions | tech.eu
Cities & Policy
PBSC reps tout Barcelona's Bicing system at Velo-city as a leader in Europe's bike-sharing boom. E-bikes dominate (72% of Bicing trips!), driving a 15% fleet expansion. Looming political woes threaten funding, but Velo-city discussions emphasize collaboration and innovation for future micromobility wins | ZAGDaily
California’s AB 1774 targets e-bikes exceeding 28 mph, amending Motor Vehicle Code Section 24016. Provision (d) bans tampering to alter speed unless reclassified; provision (e) prohibits selling speed-modifying devices. While intended to curb unrestricted e-bikes, enforcement remains dubious. The bill could outlaw using built-in settings for "off-road mode." Questions persist about how the state will prevent online purchases of these devices. The bill's effectiveness in regulating e-bike speeds and improving safety is still uncertain | Electrick Bike Report
Pew Research shows waning support for renewables, particularly among Republicans (solar approval down from 84% to 64%). This mirrors Biden's $369 billion green spending spree (Inflation Reduction Act) but, ironically, a hefty chunk ($161 billion) flows to GOP districts for clean tech manufacturing (per Bloomberg). Younger Republicans (67%) are far more pro-renewable than their elders (22%), hinting at a possible future GOP climate pivot | The Verge
Alabama’s ADECA announced $11.2 million in NEVI federal grants for 13 EV charging stations along Alternative Fuel Corridors, plus $2.4 million for Bevill State Community College’s EV charger training program | Electrek
Facing a criminal charge of fraud after the 737 MAX crashes, Boeing is considering a plea deal from the DOJ. This follows the expiration of a deferred prosecution agreement. The proposal includes a $244 million fine, probation, and monitoring, but victim's families decry it as inadequate. They demand greater accountability from Boeing for the crashes that claimed over 300 lives in 2018 and 2019 | The Seattle Times
New Products, Features, and Data Points
Cowboy, a Belgian e-bike company, launched its first social gaming initiative with "Race," where riders compete in 500m sprints against increasingly faster opponents. Also introduced were "Burn," a one-minute calorie-burning challenge, and "Push," a 25-level strength and endurance test. Designed for safety, these games pause automatically and are ideal for parks. Part of the Connect app update, featuring a new rider dashboard and theft alerts, they are available on Android and iOS, enhancing rider experience and community | Neowin
Skarper, a British e-bike conversion kit maker with backing from cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy, just won a Eurobike Award for its innovative disc-brake attachment. This ultra-light unit seamlessly converts any bike into an e-bike, filling a market gap for cyclists who want e-bike flexibility without the commitment of a dedicated e-bike. Boasting a 250-watt motor and 240Wh battery for a 50km range, Skarper will showcase their award-winning unit at Eurobike 2024 (Frankfurt, July 3-7) | ZAGDaily
To reclaim China's EV crown, Toyota's GAC venture unveils the Bozhi 3X SUV next year, boasting a Tesla-like autonomous driving system co-developed with Momenta. Partnering with Huawei for in-vehicle software on a future sedan, they're also pushing battery tech with a new iron phosphate lithium battery targeting a 40% cost cut for the bZ4X EV by 2026 | Reuters
At Eurobike 2024, tyre manufacturer reTyre unveils the world's first carbon-neutral tire, made entirely from reclaimed materials like algae, recycled fibers, and fishnets. This innovative design, verified by a third-party LCA to minimize emissions throughout the tire's lifecycle, achieves net-zero greenhouse gas impact. reTyre further showcases its commitment to sustainability with the City Range, featuring bio-based materials and novel tread patterns in their new bicycle tires | ZAGDaily
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