Articles tagged with "urban-mobility"
Voi CEO says he’s open to acquiring Bolt’s micromobility business
Voi CEO Frederik Hjelm has expressed openness to acquiring Bolt’s micromobility business, although Bolt’s scooter and bike operations are not confirmed to be for sale. Hjelm highlighted the challenges Bolt faces in excelling across multiple verticals, including ride-hailing, grocery and food delivery, and car rentals. He emphasized that micromobility is particularly difficult due to its hardware demands and lack of network effects seen in other services like food delivery or ride-hailing. Hjelm also argued that local users of dockless e-scooters and e-bikes prioritize affordability and experience over brand loyalty or the convenience of a “super app,” suggesting that brand recognition alone does not guarantee a superior user experience. Other industry executives echoed skepticism about Bolt’s micromobility strategy. Bird’s Washinushi criticized Bolt for using price as a loss leader, leveraging revenue from other business areas to subsidize micromobility growth without significant investment in operational excellence. In contrast, companies like
micromobilityelectric-scooterse-bikesshared-mobilitytransportation-technologyride-hailingurban-mobilityWaymo has set its robotaxi sights on NYC
Waymo has applied for a permit with the New York City Department of Transportation to test its autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in Manhattan, marking its initial step toward introducing robotaxis in the city. The permit application aligns with New York’s stringent autonomous vehicle regulations, which require a human safety operator behind the wheel, a $5 million insurance policy, and thorough operator training. While obtaining this permit is significant, Waymo is still far from launching commercial or fully driverless operations in NYC due to current legal restrictions that mandate a human must be physically present and able to control the vehicle. To advance its goals, Waymo is actively advocating for changes in state law that would permit driverless vehicle operation without a human behind the wheel. The company is also building partnerships with local organizations such as MADD NY, YAI, the National Federation of the Blind, and Bronx Community College to foster goodwill and support. Despite previous attempts by other companies to test autonomous vehicles in NYC, none progressed beyond limited demonstrations. Way
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxiself-driving-carsurban-mobilitytransportation-technologyWaymo robotaxis are pushing into even more California cities
Waymo is significantly expanding its robotaxi service area across California, adding 80 square miles in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Silicon Valley. This growth brings the total commercial service area to over 250 square miles, introducing driverless Jaguar I-Pace vehicles to new neighborhoods in three major metro regions. Despite recent setbacks—including vandalism and arson of Waymo vehicles during immigration-related protests in Los Angeles, which led to temporary service reductions—the company continues to push forward with its expansion plans. Waymo is still limiting service in some parts of Los Angeles, such as downtown, but plans to monitor conditions and gradually restore full operations. The expansion includes new service availability in Bay Area communities like Brisbane, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, and Silicon Valley towns Palo Alto and Menlo Park. In Los Angeles, the service now covers Playa del Rey, Ladera Heights, Echo Park, Silver Lake, and the full stretch of Sunset Boulevard, connecting
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxisdriverless-technologyurban-mobilitytransportation-innovationTiny French EV tilts like bike, hits 71 mph, runs 124 miles per charge
AEMotion, a French e-mobility company, has introduced a compact electric microcar that uniquely combines motorcycle-like agility with the safety of a four-wheeled vehicle. This innovative EV features a tilting mechanism allowing the entire frame to lean up to 35 degrees in curves, enhancing dynamic handling. It is steered via handlebars and seats the driver and passenger in a tandem arrangement, reducing the vehicle’s width to just 31 inches (79 cm), ideal for navigating narrow urban streets. The microcar reaches a top speed of 71.5 mph (115 km/h) and offers a fixed battery range of 124 miles (200 km), with optional swappable battery packs providing an additional 43.5 miles (70 km) each. Safety is a key focus, with the vehicle meeting automotive-grade crash standards through the use of EPP bumpers, crash boxes, and an EPP-lined interior that acts like a passive airbag system. It also includes hydraulic disc brakes and
energyelectric-vehiclebattery-technologyurban-mobilitysafety-materialstilting-technologye-mobilityInfinite Machine's e-bike offers 33 mph speed, 40-mile range
Infinite Machine has launched the Olto, a sleek, futuristic electric moped designed specifically for urban commuters and compliant with Class 2 e-bike regulations. The Olto features a metallic body with hidden wiring, full front and rear suspension, and a clean aesthetic. It offers a top speed of 20 mph in standard mode for bike lane use, with an unlocked off-road mode reaching 33 mph. The moped is powered by a removable, UL-certified 48V 25Ah battery providing a real-world range of 40 miles, which can be fast-charged to 50% in one hour or fully charged in three hours. The Olto integrates advanced automotive-level security features, including GPS and LTE tracking, an electronic motor and wheel lock, a steering column lock, and a built-in U-lock mount, all supported by an auxiliary battery to maintain protection even when the main battery is removed. Practical design elements include a long bench seat with hidden footpegs and grab handles for a
electric-bikee-bikebattery-technologyurban-mobilityelectric-vehicleIoT-securityenergy-storageHeybike’s Father’s Day Sale: Huge Deals, Free Gear, & The Perfect Ride For Dad - CleanTechnica
Heybike is launching a major Father’s Day sale featuring significant discounts on its popular e-bike models, free bikepacking accessory gifts with every purchase, and bundled combo deals for families or riding partners. The promotion offers a range of e-bikes tailored to different riding styles, including foldable fat-tire models with powerful motors and long ranges, compact urban commuters with mid-drive motors and torque sensors, and versatile full-suspension folding bikes. Prices have been slashed substantially—for example, a folding fat-tire bike drops from $1,499 to $1,099, while an ultra-compact fat-tire model is now $999 from $1,499. Combo packages allow customers to save even more when buying two bikes together, with discounts up to $1,500. Heybike differentiates itself by providing a 30-day free trial, fast and free shipping, UL 2849 certified batteries for safety, and strong warranty coverage including a 10-year frame warranty on the Hero model. The company also offers live customer support and detailed documentation, ensuring a quality and user-friendly experience. The free “bikepacking gifts” included with each purchase—such as bags or utility kits—are intended to enhance the riding experience immediately, adding extra value beyond the discounted prices. Overall, the sale presents an attractive opportunity to purchase reliable, well-supported e-bikes suited for adventure, commuting, or city riding, making it an ideal time to find the perfect ride for Dad or yourself.
energye-bikeelectric-bikebattery-technologysustainable-transportationelectric-motorurban-mobilityUber Just Reinvented the Bus … Again
Uber has launched Route Share, a new shuttle service operating on fixed routes and schedules in seven cities, aiming to provide more affordable and predictable transportation during peak commuting hours. This initiative marks Uber’s latest attempt to "reinvent the bus," following earlier efforts by Uber, Lyft, Elon Musk, and others to introduce ride-sharing services resembling traditional public transit. Uber’s leadership acknowledges the concept is inspired by buses, with the goals of reducing consumer prices, easing congestion, and improving environmental outcomes. However, experts express skepticism about the program’s benefits for commuters, climate, and public transit systems. The Union of Concerned Scientists highlights that rideshare services currently produce significantly more emissions than the trips they replace, partly due to "deadheading"—drivers traveling without passengers. While pooled rides reduce this impact somewhat, the environmental advantage remains limited unless electric vehicles are used. Moreover, there are concerns about Uber’s lack of public accountability compared to traditional transit agencies, which serve all riders regardless of profitability and are subject to public oversight. This shift toward privatized transit services could undermine struggling public systems, especially in cities like Philadelphia and Dallas facing severe budget crises and service cuts. The broader context includes federal funding reductions for public transit, leaving many systems financially vulnerable post-pandemic. With a nationwide transit budget shortfall estimated at $6 billion, companies like Uber see an opportunity to fill gaps in public transportation. Despite Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi’s insistence that the company competes with personal car use rather than public transit, critics worry that such private shuttle services may exacerbate challenges for public transit and fail to deliver meaningful environmental improvements.
energytransportationride-sharingelectric-vehiclesurban-mobilityenvironmental-impactpublic-transitC-1 Recharged: Lit Motors Secures $1.6M To Further Develop Self-Balancing E-Motorcycle - CleanTechnica
robotIoTenergyelectric-vehicleurban-mobilityself-balancing-technologylow-carbon-transportationPodbike Shuts Down: Norwegian E-Velomobile Startup Files For Bankruptcy - CleanTechnica
energyurban-mobilitye-bikemicromobilitysustainable-transportelectric-vehiclestartup-failureInster — Hyundai’s Ultimate Urban EV
electric-vehicleHyundaiurban-mobilitytechnologyvehicle-to-loadenergy-efficiencyautomotive-innovationDoorDash & Coco Bring Robot Deliveries To The Sidewalks Of LA & Chicago
robotdeliverysustainabilitylogisticsautonomousemissions-freeurban-mobilityWaymo robotaxis to map Boston
robotWaymorobotaxiautonomous-drivingurban-mobilitytransportationtechnologyLos Angeles’ Car-Free Olympics Is Possible — If We Let The Private Sector In
energytransportationelectric-bikesurban-mobilityprivate-sectorinfrastructuresustainabilityRevving Up Refurbished E-Bikes: Upway Expands With Los Angeles UpCenter
energye-bikessustainable-transportationcircular-mobilityurban-mobilityrefurbished-bikesclean-technologyBYD Dolphin Mini, The Car the US Will Never Have, Secures World Urban Car Award
BYDDolphin-MiniWorld-Car-Awardelectric-vehiclesautomotive-industryclean-technologyurban-mobilityLow-Cost Electric Carshare Program Launched In Charlotte
electric-vehiclescarshare-programsustainable-transportationCharlotteclean-technologyurban-mobilitylow-cost-transportation