Velotric Launches Affordable Fold Lite E-Bike and Powerful Plus Upgrades for Adventurers and Commuters | August 9th, 2024

The South Pasadena Police fully electrified its fleet, Uber saw strong Q2 results, and umob launched international in-app payments.

Issue [#251] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!

Micromobility

Magnus White, a 17-year-old cycling champion, was tragically killed by a driver during a training ride. His parents, through The White Line foundation, are advocating for safer roads and better infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies. The foundation's Ride for Magnus aims to inspire national change, emphasizing quick-build infrastructure and stronger penalties for reckless driving. Magnus's legacy continues to drive efforts for safer cycling conditions nationwide | StreetsBlog USA

Rad Power Bikes, a Seattle-based e-bike maker, has announced another round of layoffs to ensure the company's longevity amidst rising costs and economic challenges. This marks the sixth round of layoffs since 2021, primarily affecting product development teams. Despite the cuts, Rad remains committed to supporting its community with extensive customer service and maintenance options. The company, valued at $1.65 billion in 2021, continues to adapt to changing market conditions | GeekWire

National Grid's sponsorship of Beryl’s micromobility fleet in Norwich has facilitated over 30,000 sustainable journeys, reduced traffic, and boosted local businesses. The partnership supports rider acquisition campaigns, promotes sustainable travel, and improves air quality. By collaborating with local businesses and community groups, Beryl aims to expand its impact, encouraging more people to choose eco-friendly transport options and supporting Norwich's net-zero goals. This partnership exemplifies the benefits of combining corporate support with community initiatives | ZAGDaily

Ford is partnering with N plus to launch two e-bikes inspired by its iconic Bronco and Mustang models. The Bronco e-bike, designed for rugged terrain, features a 750W motor, 85 Nm of torque, and a dual-suspension "G.O.A.T." system. It can reach speeds up to 28 mph with a range of 60 miles. The Mustang e-bike is expected to carry similar distinctive features and performance characteristics | The Verge

Product Launches & Updates

Murf Electric Bikes has launched a redesigned Izzy Step-Thru e-bike, combining style with power. It features a 500-watt motor, 52-volt battery, and a range of up to 50 miles. Designed for riders 5'1" to 5'11", it offers a 20 MPH top speed, five-level pedal assist, and comes in new fall colors. Priced at $2,195, it's available for pre-order with a $300 accessory bonus through August 18 | PR Newswire

Velotric has launched the Fold Lite, a more affordable folding e-bike priced at $1,099. Despite a smaller motor and battery, it offers a range of up to 48 miles and a top speed of 28 mph. Velotric also introduced upgraded "Plus" models for existing bikes like the Discover 1 Plus and Nomad 1 Plus, featuring enhanced power, range, and design at competitive prices, offering versatile options for commuters and adventurers alike | Electrek

Geely’s Galaxy E5, an all-electric SUV, has launched globally with a starting price of $15,400. Designed for international markets, the E5 features a single motor, offering up to 160 kW of power and a range of up to 329 miles, depending on the variant. The E5 introduces Geely’s new Aegis Short Blade Battery technology, providing long-lasting performance. Pre-orders are open, with the SUV available in multiple trims to suit diverse needs | Electrek

Dodge's first electric muscle car, the Charger Daytona, is priced starting at $59,595 for the R/T model and $73,190 for the Scat Pack, excluding fees. Both models feature powerful upgrades, with the Scat Pack delivering up to 670 horsepower. A standout feature is the "Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust," which adds an aggressive sound to the EV. The two-door models will be available later this year, with four-door models arriving in 2025 | The Verge

Ridehailing, Carsharing, & Delivery 

The South Pasadena Police Department, in partnership with Southern California Edison (SCE), has become the first in the nation to fully electrify its fleet. Utilizing SCE’s Charge Ready program, the department now benefits from a sustainable energy solution with lower costs, improved safety, and better vehicle performance. This milestone sets a positive example for other police departments and highlights the growing importance of clean energy in public services | @Chanel Parson via LinkedIn

Uber has reported strong Q2 results, with a focus on its growing autonomous vehicle (AV) efforts to counter Tesla's upcoming robotaxi launch. The company highlighted a sixfold increase in AV trips and emphasized its partnerships with AV companies like Waymo and Aurora. Uber’s hybrid network of human and autonomous drivers ensures reliable service globally. Investor response has been positive, with shares up 6% and quarterly profits exceeding expectations | TechCrunch

Dutch mobility company umob has partnered with Adyen to launch an international in-app payment solution for shared transport. This allows users to plan, book, and pay for various mobility options—such as bikes, scooters, and taxis—across borders using a single app. The partnership aims to simplify payments, reduce costs, and increase the adoption of shared mobility services by offering seamless access to over 50,000 vehicles worldwide | ZAGDaily

Uber drivers now have access to a rental marketplace through their accounts, allowing them to rent cars for hourly or weekly use at discounted rates. This flexibility supports drivers in maximizing their earning potential without the commitment of owning a car. Maria Briskman, from Getaround, emphasizes the seamless integration of services like Getaround with platforms such as Uber, enhancing convenience for drivers. The merger of Getaround with Hire Car also broadens the service offerings, maintaining a focus on user-friendly solutions and expanding driver opportunities in the gig economy. Safety and regulatory measures are prioritized to ensure a reliable and compliant environment for all users | The Rideshare Guy Podcast

Lyft is testing a new feature called Price Lock, offering riders a subscription that caps prices on specific routes at specific times. This aims to reduce the unpredictability of surge pricing, particularly for regular commuters. Although "primetime" surge pricing won't disappear entirely, Lyft's efforts have already reduced its occurrence by 25% in key markets, contributing to improved customer conversion rates and offering a more reliable ride-hailing experience | TechCrunch

When Minnesota proposed raising the minimum pay for Uber and Lyft drivers, the companies threatened to leave the state. Governor Tim Walz vetoed the initial bill to keep the services available but later signed a compromise law that increased driver pay by 20%, added new insurance protections, and regulated deactivation procedures. While this preserved rideshare services, the bill didn’t address reclassifying drivers as employees, leaving broader labor issues unresolved | The Verge

Investment & Deals

Amazon is investing £300 million to electrify and decarbonize its UK transport network, deploying electric vehicles like e-cargo bikes and expanding micromobility hubs. These hubs, now in eight locations including London, Glasgow, and Belfast, streamline urban deliveries and reduce congestion. This push, part of Amazon’s broader net-zero carbon goal by 2040, also fosters public charging infrastructure development and innovation in logistics | ZAGDaily

H3X, led by CEO Jason Sylvestre, is making waves with its ultra-compact, efficient electric motors, crucial for aerospace and marine industries. The company, founded by Sylvestre, CTO Max Liben, and COO Eric Maciolek, recently secured $20 million from Infinite Capital and others, including Lockheed Martin Ventures, to advance megawatt-scale motors. These motors, pivotal for hybrid electric aircraft and maritime decarbonization, are already generating millions in revenue, with H3X targeting profitability by 2026. Their reversible design simplifies hybrid powertrains, appealing to aviation and marine sectors seeking scalable, space-efficient solutions | TechCrunch

Lucid, an electric vehicle startup, secured up to $1.5 billion from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) affiliate, its majority shareholder, ensuring funding through at least Q4 next year. Struggling with low production of its Air sedan, Lucid aims to scale up at its Arizona factory, particularly for its new Gravity SUV, to attract more customers. Rivian, another EV startup, also navigates the capital-intensive industry, having inked a $5 billion deal with Volkswagen Group. Lucid’s production target is 9,000 Air sedans this year | InsideEVs

New Motion Labs (NML), an Exeter-based drivetrain tech developer, secured £890,000 from the South West Investment Fund, managed by The FSE Group, within a £1.8 million round. NML's patented Enduo technology, sparked by founder Marcel Fowler's 2015 cycling mishap, re-engineers chains and sprockets, reducing wear, energy loss, and costs. Already proven in track cycling and e-bikes, NML targets global industrial markets, addressing chain failures in manufacturing. CEO Damien Murphy emphasizes this funding’s role in accelerating growth and industrial sector penetration | Tech.eu

Eleport, already the largest EV charging operator in the Baltics and fourth in Poland, is expanding into Croatia and Slovenia by acquiring TurboVolt, a 2022-founded Austrian Charge Point Operator. This move supports Eleport's plan to install 10,000 DC fast chargers across Central Eastern Europe by 2030, starting with 17 high-powered hubs in Zadar, Zagreb, and Ljubljana. Both companies prioritize renewable energy, aiming to enhance sustainable transportation solutions at prime retail locations. This acquisition strengthens Eleport’s bid to dominate the CEE EV charging market | Tech.eu

AutoFlight, a Shanghai-based eVTOL developer, secured hundreds of millions in investment from battery giant CATL to accelerate its aerial technology. The partnership focuses on advancing eVTOL battery energy density and performance for longer, safer flights. AutoFlight’s flagship, Prosperity I, set a world record with a 250 km flight in March 2023 and is progressing toward European Aviation Safety Agency certification by 2025. Meanwhile, certification with China's Civil Aviation Administration began in April 2024. Technology development is underway in Augsburg, Germany | Electrek

Cities & Policy

Boston’s new initiative offers 1,000 vouchers worth $800-$2,400, plus $150 for safety gear, to help residents purchase e-bikes. Eligible applicants include low-income adults, seniors over 60, and those with chronic disabilities. The program, funded by $1.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, aims to address transportation inequities and promote sustainable mobility. Applications are open through August, with a second round in spring 2025. Simultaneously, Boston’s “Get Your Pass in Gear” campaign offers discounted Bluebikes memberships for income-eligible residents | Boston.com

EV owners in the Northwest U.S., particularly in Idaho and Washington State, save over $0.14 per mile on fuel costs versus gasoline vehicles, driven by low electricity prices and high gas prices. California and Alaska follow, with Southern and Northeastern states seeing less savings. Larger vehicles like pickup trucks benefit most. Meanwhile, a Wood Mackenzie report projects that surging EV sales will halve global gasoline demand by 2024, signaling a major shift in energy consumption and emissions reduction | Green Car Reports

CargoB, co-founded by Dorothy Fennell and Zack DeClerck, is the U.S.'s first on-demand electric cargo bike share, aiming to revolutionize urban mobility in congested cities like Boston. Operational in Jamaica Plain, Porter Square, and Winter Hill, CargoB offers a European-inspired, traffic-free alternative to car ownership. With flexible rentals accessed via a mobile app, these pedal-assisted bikes are designed for practical urban tasks, from grocery runs to school drop-offs, while promoting community engagement and a sustainable lifestyle. Expansion to Boston's Seaport neighborhood is planned | Momentum Magazine

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