Uber Launches Rider Verification to Boost Driver Safety and Trust | September 20th , 2024
Uber Launches Rider Verification to Boost Driver Safety and Trust | September 20th , 2024
Uber Launches Rider Verification to Boost Driver Safety and Trust | September 20th , 2024
Issue [#257] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!
Join us for Curbivore 2025! Discover the future of urban living. Learn how cities are transforming with innovative curb solutions. Inspiring talks, networking, and more. April 10-11. Don't miss it! - Register Now
Micromobility
Bolt's largest scooter study found that 53% of riders are now more likely to switch from cars to public transport due to shared micromobility. Conducted across 14 European countries, it revealed that 39% would have used private cars without scooters. The study highlights scooters’ role in reducing car reliance, supporting local businesses, and expanding mobility in underserved areas. 38% of riders don't own cars, and 30% are less likely to buy one | ZAGDaily
As cities aim to cut emissions, micromobility—shared scooters, bikes, and similar transport—is proving vital. It helps bridge the "last mile" gap, connecting commuters to public transit. In 2022, it offset 74 million pounds of carbon emissions in North America. Cities like Oswego and Lake Tahoe have embraced micromobility, reducing car use and improving air quality. Enhanced infrastructure and partnerships with ride-sharing services further boost access, especially in underserved areas | Time
Bolt is hosting an event in London to discuss finding the "sweet spot" for micromobility regulation. Dmitri Pivovarov, Bolt’s VP of Rentals, emphasizes that regulations are crucial for micromobility’s success, affecting pricing, fleet size, and competition. A study with Deloitte found that medium regulation, which balances control and competition, works best. The event will feature industry experts discussing how better regulations can support the adoption of shared scooters and e-bikes, especially in cities like London | ZAGDaily
Product Launches & Updates
Volkswagen has paused production of its all-electric ID.4 due to faulty door mechanisms, affecting nearly 100,000 vehicles. Water seeped into the door, causing electronics to malfunction and doors to open unexpectedly. VW will replace door handles and update software at no cost to owners. Production at its Tennessee factory has halted, and 200 workers will be furloughed. Despite this setback, VW remains committed to its electric vehicle lineup, including the ID.4 | The Verge
Maxus has launched Europe’s first AWD electric pickup, the eTerron 9, offering up to 267 miles of range. Powered by two electric motors with a combined 442 hp, it can tow up to 7,700 lbs and includes six driving modes for various terrains. Featuring bi-directional charging and improved cold-weather efficiency, orders open in October, with deliveries starting in January 2025. Pricing is expected to exceed the T90EV’s £49,950 starting price | Electrek
Vvolt has launched the Centauri II, a lightweight, 50-lb commuter e-bike with automatic 3-speed transmission, five power levels, and integrated lighting for safety. Featuring a low-maintenance design, the bike offers comfort with front suspension, Shimano hydraulic brakes, and a Gates Carbon Drive belt. Priced at $2,999, it’s available for pre-order and ships mid-September 2024, aiming to enhance urban mobility with a balance of performance and rider comfort | StupidDope
Gazelle launched three new mid-drive e-bikes in the US—the Medio T9, T9 City, and Ultimate C8—featuring updated frames, step-through designs, and Bosch motors. These bikes offer accessible options for various riders, including smaller frame sizes and enhanced components like suspension, hydraulic brakes, and integrated lighting. Prices start at $2,299, aiming to provide high-quality e-bikes with safety, performance, and convenience at affordable prices, enhancing urban commuting experiences | Electrek
Ridehailing, Carsharing, & Delivery
Drones will soon deliver urgent blood samples between Guy’s Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital in London as part of a pilot program by Apian, Wing, and the NHS. This initiative aims to cut delivery times from over 30 minutes to under two minutes, significantly improving healthcare logistics. Regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority, the program is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by eliminating the need for vehicles. Successful trials could lead to expanded drone deliveries in London’s healthcare system | TechCrunch
Uber is introducing a rider verification feature to enhance driver safety and reduce fraud. This new process checks riders' personal information against third-party databases and allows them to upload government-issued IDs. Verified riders will receive a badge visible to drivers, boosting confidence in accepting trips. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated that this change aims to support drivers and address their concerns. By enhancing safety measures, Uber hopes to retain its core driver base while fostering trust | The Verge
Hilo EV is launching the Hilo BOX, an AI-powered delivery box designed for gig workers, featuring real-time hazard detection and intelligent lighting. This system connects to various bikes, enhancing visibility and safety for riders in urban environments. Co-founder Robin Harris emphasized the need for safety technology tailored to gig economy workers. The Hilo BOX will debut at Micromobility UK 2024, with plans for expansion into European markets and a pilot program in Romania to support senior cyclists | ZAGDaily
Ride-share expert Harry Campbell predicts that Waymo could become a major fleet supplier for Uber, providing autonomous vehicles to meet baseline demand. This strategic move could solidify Uber's position in the ride-hailing market while allowing Waymo to scale its autonomous technology | Harry Campbell via LinkedIn
A Starship Technologies delivery robot knocked over an Arizona State University employee last fall, hitting them twice while reversing. The employee reported back pain and a cut that required treatment. Starship stated the robot moved at low speed. This incident highlights safety concerns with autonomous delivery robots, as the company faces scrutiny over their operations. Starship has expanded its delivery trials significantly since 2016, but incidents like this raise questions about safety measures and accountability | The Verge
The conversation focuses on strategies for acquiring and converting workers in the gig economy. It explores using major platforms like Google and Facebook for recruitment, optimizing conversion rates through tailored outreach and education, and implementing instant work approvals to streamline onboarding. GetScale's services are detailed in converting applicants through personalized outreach. The discussion also covers adapting to seasonal demands and overcoming recruitment challenges. Overall, it emphasizes a data-driven approach to enhance efficiency in gig economy operations | The Rideshare Guy
Investment & Deals
DeepDrive raised €30 million in Series B funding, led by Leitmotif with BMW i Ventures and others. Its patented Dual Rotor motor, co-developed with 8 of the 10 largest automakers, boosts efficiency, cuts costs, accelerates EV adoption, and reduces CO2 emissions | Tech.eu
Seaya Andromeda, a €300M Pan-European climatetech fund, acquired Spain's leading refurbished bicycle retailer Zyclora / Bike Ocasión. Zyclora, offering 30-70% discounts on 1,000+ refurbished bikes with guaranteed reliability, aims to expand in Europe, open stores, and digitize. With Seaya's backing, Zyclora seeks to scale its circular economy business model | Tech.eu
Kiwibot, a 2017 UC Berkeley food delivery robot startup, bought Nickelytics, a 2019 Tampa car-wrap ad firm. The deal gives Kiwibot access to Nickelytics' 500+ robot fleet and expertise, positioning it as a leader in robot advertising | TechCrunch
Cities & Policy
Mayor Tishaura Jones led a 21-mile bike tour showcasing St. Louis' $300 million street safety initiative, funded by federal grants. Projects include a new light rail line and the proposed Department of Transportation to combat high pedestrian fatality rates | StreetsBlogUSA
The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the AM for Every Vehicle Act, requiring new cars to include AM radio. Proponents, like Senator Ed Markey, highlight emergency broadcast concerns, while automakers like Tesla argue AM's EV incompatibility due to electromagnetic interference | The Verge
Paris tops bike-sharing trips per capita, followed by Antwerp, Ljubljana, Tartu, and Toulouse | ZAGDaily
Brno’s V2X system adjusts traffic signals for emergency vehicles, part of a global effort to improve road safety. The U.S. aims to install V2X at 75% of intersections, addressing rising fatalities and enhancing traffic management | Bloomberg
US VMT rose pre-pandemic, plummeted during COVID lockdowns, then rebounded. Congestion followed, even downtown, despite remote work. NYC saw the biggest increases, even with empty offices. Governor Hochul scrapped congestion pricing. The report warns remote work and road expansion won't solve these problems | SmartCitiesDive
New Products, Features, and Data Points
The 2025 Toyota Sienna’s Advanced Rear Seat Reminder, using millimeter-wave radar, detects movement under objects and escalates alerts from hazard lights to automated calls via Toyota’s Safety Connect app. Developed in Toyota's North American competition, it supports 10 years of connectivity | Toyota Newsroom
Geotab's study finds EV batteries surprisingly durable, potentially lasting 20+ years. However, more data is needed, and degradation varies by model and climate. This could mean EVs are more sustainable than thought, challenging the narrative that batteries are their Achilles' heel | Electrek
Jobs Board
Here’s a selection of job openings from our partners. Want to see your listing here? Click here for pricing/details.
UA Manager - Whizz - Remote
Graphic Designer - Whizz - Remote
Customer (Partner) Success Manager - AirGarage - United States
Business Operations Manager - GetScale - Austin, TX / Hybrid or Remote
Inside Sales Manager - GetScale - Austin, Texas, United States
Inside Sales Representative - GetScale - Austin, Texas, United States
Inside Sales Representative - GetScale - Remote
Inside Sales Representative (Bilingual - English & Spanish) - GetScale - Remote
Inside Sales Representative (Bilingual - English & Spanish) - GetScale - Austin, Texas, United States
Office Manager - GetScale - Austin, Texas, United States
If you liked this post from Movements, why not share it? Forward it to a friend and we'll send you some sweet karma!