Virginia Becomes First State to Force Speed Limits on Reckless Drivers – Will Other States Follow? | April 4th, 2025
Micro Mobility Labs launches Convoy, a smart e-trailer turning bikes into family cargo vehicles, promoting clean transport.
Issue [#282] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!
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Cities & Policy
Dr. Kristina Gaučė brings 17+ years of expertise in sustainable mobility, advising top Lithuanian ministries and cities on urban transport policy. In this episode of the CitiesFirst Podcast, she shares insights on leading SUMP projects across Europe, key implementation strategies, citizen engagement, and how sustainable mobility planning differs from traditional approaches | The #CitiesFirst Podcast
Trump's 25% tariffs on imported vehicles are expected to raise car prices by $5,000 to $10,000, worsening affordability issues for US consumers. The tariffs disrupt the auto industry's global supply chain, as even US-made cars rely on foreign parts. This could push vehicle costs further out of reach for many, especially as car buyers already face high loan burdens. While some automakers seek relief, the tariffs may cause widespread chaos in the sector | The Verge
Virginia has become the first state to allow judges to mandate speed-limiting devices for dangerous drivers, aiming to reduce fatalities from reckless driving. This bipartisan law, effective in 2026, could set a precedent for other states like New York and California. The measure targets drivers exceeding 100 mph, offering a solution that allows offenders to maintain driving privileges while preventing dangerous speeding, with advocates hoping for wider adoption to improve road safety | StreetsBlog USA
Stellantis has halted production at its plants in Canada and Mexico due to President Trump’s new 25% automotive tariffs. This decision affects about 5,400 workers across North America. While other automakers like Ford and GM have adjusted differently, Stellantis’ move aims to manage the impact of the tariffs, reduce vehicle inventory, and assess long-term effects. The company faces challenges in a volatile environment, with uncertainty around future operations and stock performance | CNBC
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is urging the city to sue Tesla and CEO Elon Musk for allegedly breaching fiduciary duties, leading to significant financial losses for Tesla shareholders, including the city's pension systems. Lander argues that Musk’s focus on personal ventures has harmed Tesla’s performance and misled investors about his role. The city is seeking securities litigation against Tesla, reflecting growing concerns over Musk's leadership and governance at the company | Electrek
Between 2019 and 2023, e-mobility battery fires in New York City caused over $518 million in damages, including fatalities, injuries, and structural harm. The fires surged due to the rise in low-cost e-mobility imports. New York addressed the issue by enforcing safety standards rather than imposing bans. Recommendations include stricter safety regulations, better awareness, and removal of unsafe devices, aiming to reduce risks and ensure safer e-mobility adoption in cities | ZAGDaily
Micromobility
A new UK startup, Micro Mobility Labs, has launched Convoy—a smart e-trailer that turns any bike into a family cargo vehicle in seconds. It carries up to 50kg, needs no tools, and works with almost any bike. Designed for school runs and grocery trips, Convoy lowers barriers to cycling, aiming to replace car trips. It launches soon under the UK’s Cycle to Work scheme, making clean transport easier and more accessible for families | ZAGDaily
A bipartisan push is growing to make bike safety a national priority. Rep. Jamie Raskin reintroduced the Langenkamp Act, which lets local governments use full federal funding for bike lanes without needing matching funds. With support from both parties, the bill empowers cities to bypass state roadblocks. Raskin calls current road deaths “intolerable” and urges citizens to pressure lawmakers to act, especially as federal support for bike projects faces political resistance | ZAGDaily
Ampler’s new Nova and Nova Pro e-bikes are the first to charge via USB-C, cutting recharge time to just three hours with a laptop charger. This eco-friendly upgrade supports Europe’s shift to universal ports and makes charging simpler while traveling. Available only in Europe, the bikes also double as modest power banks. Designed for daily use, they blend performance with practical design and are set to ship in June with full local service support | The Verge
Product Launches & Updates
Cadillac’s new Vistiq EV, a sleek three-row SUV, is already on sale ahead of its expected spring launch. Priced from $77,395, it targets buyers eyeing rivals like the Rivian R1S and Kia EV9. With tax credit uncertainty and Tesla trade-ins on the rise, Cadillac seems eager to capture the moment. The early release suggests a strategic push to stay competitive in the fast-moving electric SUV market | The Verge
Hyundai will debut its new IONIQ 9 electric SUV at Everything Electric London from April 16–18, 2025. With up to 385 miles of range, the IONIQ 9 offers multiple motor configurations and includes digital features like video streaming and Wi-Fi. Visitors can also test drive other Hyundai EVs, including the KONA and IONIQ 5. The launch highlights Hyundai’s push to offer more personalized, tech-driven experiences in the growing EV market | Future Transport News
Hyundai’s Insteroid is a bold EV concept that turns the compact Insteroid into a gaming-inspired street racer. With a wide body, large spoiler, and bucket seats, it blends playful design with futuristic flair. Created by Hyundai’s European team, it also features in a browser-based video game. While not for sale, Insteroid aims to boost interest in the Inster, launching as the Casper Electric in Korea, Europe, and Asia starting under $26,000 | The Verge
Ride1Up has launched the Vorsa, a feature-packed urban e-bike priced at $1,595. It offers a powerful 750W motor, 720Wh Samsung battery, and a choice between torque and cadence sensors for flexible pedal assist. Key additions include Apple FindMy tracking, a color display, and 100mm suspension. With strong performance, thoughtful design, and tech features, the Vorsa stands out as an affordable yet high-value option for everyday city riders | Electrek
Kia has revealed two PV5 Spielraum electric van concepts, designed for travel and camping. The Studio model offers a smart workspace with AI-powered LG appliances, while the Glow cabin features a fridge, microwave, and wine cellar for camping comfort. With a 249-mile range and 30-minute fast charging, the PV5 blends function and fun. Production is set for 2026, offering flexible options for both work and leisure on the road | Electrek
Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery
Uber and OpenTable have announced a global partnership to combine ride-hailing, food delivery, and dining reservations across six countries. The integration will allow users to book tables, order food, and arrange rides through connected apps. The goal is to simplify dining out while boosting restaurant visibility and revenue. The partnership highlights growing collaboration in the mobility and hospitality sectors, aiming to improve convenience for users and business outcomes for partners | Uber Investor
Drivers for Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash are being deactivated without clear reasons, leaving many in a financial crisis. Some, like Steve McDougall and Amie Campbell, lost key income with little explanation or recourse. Though some were later reinstated, appeals can take weeks or months. These cases highlight the risks of relying on gig work and have sparked calls for stronger protections and clearer rules in the ride hailing and delivery industry | The New York Times
Matthew Iommi, 28, is the CEO of Fetii, a group ride-sharing platform backed by Mark Cuban and active in 68 U.S. cities. Leading over 200 drivers and 300 brand ambassadors, Iommi credits his success to youthful perspective, customer focus, and a relentless drive to scale and innovate. | BizJournals
Cachet’s automated parking solution is helping car-sharing operators overcome parking challenges that hinder growth. By automating billing and parking session management, it streamlines operations and reduces costs. The system integrates with parking providers, eliminating manual work and ensuring a seamless experience for users. With car-sharing demand growing, this innovation supports scalability and efficiency, paving the way for smarter, more connected urban mobility. This approach could extend to other sectors like micromobility in the future | ZAGDaily
EHang has secured China’s first Air Operator Certificates for pilotless electric air taxis, allowing commercial operations of its EH216-S aircraft in Guangzhou and Hefei. This marks the beginning of China’s low-altitude human-carrying flight era, with initial flights targeting tourism. EHang’s success in gaining full regulatory approval positions it as a leader in autonomous aerial mobility, paving the way for wider adoption and commercial expansion across China’s urban mobility landscape | ZAGDaily
Uber and WeRide have partnered with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the city. This collaboration supports Dubai’s goal to make 25% of trips autonomous by 2030. The pilot program will match riders with AVs and focus on safety, data, and regulatory frameworks. WeRide, the first to secure the UAE’s national AV license, aims to expand its services in Dubai following a successful launch in Abu Dhabi | Yahoo finance
Investment & Deals
Harbinger, an electric truck maker, has objected to the sale of Canoo’s assets to Canoo CEO Anthony Aquila in a bankruptcy case. Harbinger claims Canoo hid assets and unfairly favored Aquila in the sale process. This move follows a contentious relationship between the two companies, with Harbinger accusing former Canoo employees of stealing trade secrets. The outcome could affect Harbinger's potential settlement with Canoo | TechCrunch
Blubrake, an Italian e-bike startup, has raised €12 million to scale production of its Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for light electric vehicles. The investment, led by Fundracer BV, Algebris Cimatech, and Tri-Star Group, aims to enhance braking performance and rider safety. Blubrake’s third-generation ABS is smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective, addressing key safety concerns and supporting mass e-bike adoption. The funding will help expand operations and meet rising demand | ZAGDaily
Today, an Irish mobility startup, has acquired B2B e-cargo bike subscription company Dockr after securing €4 million in funding. The acquisition will expand Today’s subscription service, adding approximately 1,000 e-cargo bikes to its fleet. The investment, led by BDO Davy and supported by Enterprise Ireland, will fuel expansion across Europe and enhance Today’s electric vehicle offerings. The company also plans to set up local assembly operations in Donegal and pursue further acquisitions | ZAGDaily
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