Comments Off on Swobbee realizes first project in south-eastern Europe
GreenTech startup from Berlin, LEVA-EU member Swobbee, puts out feelers in the direction of Southeastern Europe for the first time. Its cooperation with a local vehicle service provider is beginning to bear fruit.
In the future, Swobbee will work with the Greek fleet service provider Evedima to charge and operate micromobility vehicles more sustainably in various cities in Greece. The first Swobbee station has already been set up, with more to follow in the coming weeks.
Evedima specializes in providing services and infrastructure for urban mobility and transport services. In Greece, the company is responsible, among other things, for operating the Finnish e-kick scooter sharing company, Hopp.
For part of the first collaboration project by Evedima and Swobbee, a battery changing station was set up in Vouliagmeni near Athens, where exchangeable batteries for Hopp’s electric scooters can be charged and changed quickly and easily. This saves the company from complex loading logistics with warehouses on the outskirts of the region, improving cost efficiency and environmental balance of sharing vehicles. “We are very pleased to be strengthening sustainable mobility in Greek cities together with such a strong partner as Evedima. This is Swobbee’s first project in South East Europe and we hope to expand our presence in the region in the future,” said Thomas Duscha, CEO and co-founder of Swobbee.
More Swobbee stations are to be set up in the coming weeks, including the Greek capital of Athens.
The suburbs surrounding the Belgian capital have recently made the decision to abolish access for e-scooters – in contrast to Paris’s policies, where they have been banned from the city centre’s streets.
In April, Paris residents voted to ban the e-scooter sharing services within the city, sparking discussions about the potential emergence of this action in other major European cities. Interestingly, in neighbouring Belgium, it’s not the capital region but the tranquil suburbs adjacent to Brussels that are embracing this idea.
These new changes mean that attempting to complete a journey on an e-scooter across the municipal limits to neighbouring suburbs just isn’t possible.
E-scooter companies have since urged Flemish local authorities to allow shared micro-mobility services, however these efforts have been met with strong opposition. E-scooter operators like Bolt and Tier are keen to expand into the Flemish satellite municipalities surrounding Brussels due to their proximity to the city centre, unlike the municipalities situated to the south of Brussels, which are more distant from the centre.
Given that shared e-scooter schemes would improve the mobility integration with downtown Brussels, where many residents work and spend leisure time, this begs the question of why the governments of the municipalities in question refuse to allow this.
According to The Brussels Times, the smaller local governments are unimpressed by the numerous complaints about reckless speeding and chaotic parking that often accompany the use of shared micro-mobility services.
Ingrid Holemans, the mayor of Zaventem, a town whose territory includes the international airport of the Belgian capital, simply stated, “We don’t want them.”
The VIAS road safety institute reveals that accidents involving electric scooters in Belgium have quadrupled over the past two years. Such statistics raise concerns among local officials, who have concluded that e-scooters could disrupt the peaceful nature of suburban life.
Even in Brussels proper, the future appears bleak for electric two-wheelers. Starting from 2024, only two operators will be allowed to operate within the Belgian capital, each with a cap of 4,000 scooters. Whether this restriction will influence the municipalities to open their doors to these services remains uncertain.
Understanding consumer needs is the key to long-term success for those operating in the shared mobility sector
Shared mobility can resolve many challenges of the urban mobility ecosystem and is an exciting opportunity for companies in the three main shared mobility sectors – hailed mobility, shared micromobility (to include e-kickscooters, traditional or e-bicycles, and traditional or electric mopeds), and car sharing . Shared mobility is on the rise, with an estimated current market value of $10 billion to $15 billion, compared to market values of $110 billion to $130 billion for hailed mobility and $4 billion to $5 billion for car sharing. Understanding the consumers’ preferences will only further increase the market revenues.
Consumer Survey
The McKinsey Mobility Consumer Pulse Survey asked worldwide mobility users’ views on the future of mobility, with a focus on shared mobility. A move away from a car-centric means of transportation was a repeated wish among all demographics, with shared and more sustainable mobility and a reduction in private vehicle usage high on the agenda.
Over a quarter of urban dwellers who responded to the survey mentioned replacing their private vehicles with other transport means in the future, although fewer than 15% of rural respondents suggested the same. The survey concluded that sustainability, travel efficiency, and improved inner-city livelihoods were central to perspective change in mobility choice, more than incurred costs.
Mobility modes with the largest influence
McKinsey suggests that three main transport modes will alter the current trend; shared autonomous shuttles; micromobility solutions, such as e-kickscooters, (e)mopeds, and (e)bicycles; and minimobility alternatives. Minimobility references L6 and L7 electric vehicles with three or four wheels, an unladen mass of over 100 kg, and capacity for one to two passengers.
The mobility survey also found that over 60% would consider a shared, autonomous shuttle service in the future, while 42% suggested that it could replace their private car trips. This could dramatically reduce the number of vehicles on the road, aiding in pollution directives, parking, and road safety. City center–airport connections (26%), supermarket runs (26%), and commutes (24%) were the most common responses from respondents regarding shuttle services.
Micromobility endeavours are seen as convenient and a genuinely sustainable alternative. The McKinsey survey reported that a third of respondents aimed to use micromobility more often. 37 percent of urban respondents mentioned that an improved micromobility infrastructure would help them make their first step, with 33% agreeing it could replace up to 50% of their car trips. In addition, 60% of respondents showed an interest in owning their own kickscooter, only requiring the need for shared mobility on occasion in the future.
Minimobility also generated considerable interest in the survey. 27% of the urban respondents suggested the introduction of microcars to their collection within the next 10 years, 50% of whom could see one replacing their private cars in the long term. The usage for microcars bore similarities to micromobility results; grocery shopping (48%), leisure activities (47%), and commuting (35%). Although 20% of those surveyed would consider sharing a minimobility vehicle, most had a preference for acquiring their own.
Public transport will continue to play a key role in urban mobility, although three reoccurring themes need addressing; people want integrated user experiences, safe and accessible infrastructure, and continued electrification. Understanding these dynamics is key to future success.
Japan is set to relax regulations on electric scooters starting in July, allowing individuals aged 16 and above to ride them without a driver’s license
This move has been met with enthusiasm by electric-scooter sharing companies and others who anticipate enhanced convenience as a result. However, there are concerns about an influx of riders who may not be familiar with traffic regulations typically learned at driving schools.
Electric kick scooters are equipped with motors that propel them forward without requiring users to continually push against the ground. These vehicles gained popularity in Japan around 2021, primarily among individuals in their 20s and 30s, many of whom use them for commuting purposes.
Generally, these scooters are expected to be ridden on roadways. However, users are allowed to ride them on sidewalks where bicycles are permitted, as long as they maintain a speed no greater then 6 kph and display a flashing green light.
Daiki Okai, the 29-year-old president of Luup, a Tokyo-based electric scooter sharing service operator, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming changes, stating, “We’ll have a big opportunity… The user base will expand.”
Luup currently leases electric kick scooters from approximately 3,000 locations primarily in major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. The company aims to increase this number to around 10,000 by 2025.
The Japanese government also holds high expectations for electric scooters, recognising their ability to meet diverse needs, including those of tourists seeking rental options. A representative from the industry ministry, responsible for promoting the widespread use of these vehicles, expressed support for this development.
However, some individuals have voiced concerns regarding the revision of traffic rules. A collective of local residents’ and shopkeepers’ associations in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district highlighted the instances of rule violations by scooter riders on sidewalks and pedestrian zones even before the regulatory changes. Yoshikuni Matsuzawa, the head of the group’s environment and safety division, stressed concerns about potential accidents involving pedestrians, as the absence of a license requirement might result in insufficient rider preparation.
In September of last year, a man tragically lost his life in Tokyo after falling from an electric scooter. It is believed that he was under the influence of alcohol while operating the vehicle. In response, electric scooter companies are intensifying their efforts to prevent dangerous driving incidents. For example, Luup suspends users’ accounts if they are found to have ridden while under the influence of alcohol. Similarly, BRJ, a company operating an electric scooter sharing service primarily in Tachikawa, Tokyo, ceases vehicle rentals at midnight to discourage drunken driving.
The first quarter of 2023 has been a challenging one, and cities and shared mobility operators are changing tack on transport innovation. Some cities are limiting the number of vehicles that can be present at one time, with Paris even banning shared scooters in April. Operators are finding little profit in the shared transport city solutions, but there is a lot more to discover and rider numbers are still increasing.
Fluctuo predicts that some cities have reached full capacity for electric scooters, whereas others, particularly Eastern Europe, haven’t. Shared bikes are expected to catch shared scooters in terms of user numbers, while improved efficiency will see more people using the systems.
It is commonly accepted that urban density plays a huge part in public transport logistics in our cities. In the most densely populated areas, there is a shift away from private car usage, instead encouraging other modes of transport and more simplified means of getting around, particularly when the focus on the city is in one place, for example workplace communities. Here, amenities are close by, so use of walking, cycling and public transport is encouraged. This benefits our health and reduces our carbon footprint.
Shared mobility – namely bikes, scooters and mopeds – is also urged, and Fluctuo has collected data from over 90 European countries that shows cities with a population of 5000 km2 have over 10,000 shared vehicles. At 8,600 vehicles, Copenhagen is the only exception. Some of these cities are, of course, Europe’s largest, so this may not come as a total surprise. Outside of this 90-city quota, an additional 6 cities with a dense urban population were found to have fewer than 10,000 vehicles. Fluctuo suggests that these cities may not yet be at full capacity and hence, these figures may well change going forwards. Access to shared vehicles is a key factor in improving the environmental impact of our cities.
An accurate way of quantifying the success of shared vehicles is by looking at the trips per vehicle per day (TVD). Popularity is gathered by the amount of shared vehicles but the TVD tells the real success story. Fluctuo’s investigation found that high population density increased shared vehicle use. This is optimistic and reflects the EU’s overall quest to make city residents healthy and reduce the detriment to the environment.
Julien Chamussy, CEO at Fluctuo commented, “After 5 years of hyper-growth made possible by massive VC-backed investments, shared mobility operators now have months to become profitable.” further adding, “It may seem counterintuitive, but the growing number of calls for tenders and the increased demands of European cities (parking, user safety, environmental impact) could actually help operators. With fewer competitors and smaller fleets, performance metrics on the vehicle level should greatly improve.”
Comments Off on Lavoie series 1 e-scooter is now available for pre-order: founders edition, pricing, specs and colour options by Callum revealed
The Series 1 e-scooter by LAVOIE – McLaren Applied’s new premium micromobility company – is now available to pre-order at the LAVOIE website from 6 PM BST Thursday 22nd June.
LAVOIE is to launch the Series 1, a high-performance, premium folding electric scooter. The Series 1’s unique patent-pending FlowFold technology unfolds a host of features. It unfolds safety with a longer, wider deck for better stability and smooth automotive-like handling. But the Series 1’s real party trick is unfolding the world the rider calls home. Unfolding a career released from uncomfortable, time-consuming commuting. Unfolding passions, interests, and side-hustles by seamlessly blurring work and play. Unfolding discovery and curiosity as riders explore the rich, layered worlds they call their homes.
The first 469 customers will have the opportunity to pre-order an exclusive Founders Edition of LAVOIE’s ground-breaking e-scooter. The limited-run Founders Edition features a unique numbered plaque that has been designed by the famous design and engineering house CALLUM; This limited edition of 469 units pays tribute to the first electric two-wheel vehicle patented in April 1869. Founders Edition owners will get exclusive access to early product releases, updates, and private events.
The Series 1 comes in two versions defined by their battery size. The standard Series 1 has a capacity of 468Wh and retails at £1,890, while the 702Wh Series 1 Max retails at £2,190. This translates to a range of 40 km/25 miles for the Series 1 and 60 km or 38 miles for the Series 1 MAX per single charge, at an average speed of 20 kph/12 mph in urban environments. The unrestricted top speed of the Series 1 is over 40 kph/25mph, and will be shipped restricted to 25 kph/15mph in relevant regions.
All models of the Series 1 can be pre-ordered now (Thursday 22nd June) with a fully-refundable deposit of £500 via the LAVOIE website, with confirmed production slots being allocated to customers upon placing an order. The option to pre-order with a full payment deposit and a 5% discount is also available.
LAVOIE has made safety one of its development priorities. The Series 1 battery is housed in a waterproof hard shell, and designed and certified to meet the most stringent American and European safety standards. It is expected to be one of the safest devices in the industry while delivering world class performance, in line with the brand’s heritage.
The LAVOIE 250W charger works fast, giving a full battery charge in less than three hours. Series 1 has three power modes, so the rider can choose how their journeys should feel, from powerful to relaxing. Mode 1 is a slower eco option, Mode 2 is for cruising efficiently and comfortably, Mode 3 is for ultimate power and full throttle. Each mode’s power and top speed can be tuned via the LAVOIE App.
The Series 1’s most defining feature is its FlowfoldTM folding system. A single press of a button collapses the stem and moves the wheel above the deck, offering a disruptive form factor. FlowfoldTM enables a longer, wider deck while allowing the Series 1 to fold into one of the most compact e-scooters of its category. This translates to a much safer and more comfortable ride through a higher stem angle giving automotive-like steering, a freer foot position, and better shock and vibration absorption. FlowfoldTM also makes the kickstand obsolete. An intermediate position, called Park Mode, sets the e-scooter into a perfectly stable, padded, resting position.
Rider and road safety are inherent to the Series 1’s design ethos and LAVOIE’s approach to redefining micromobility. Series 1’s refined lighting system has been engineered to significantly improve safety. A light halo, presence lights, rear brakes and rider illumination LEDs all highlight the user’s position on the road, while indicators make turning safer.
Aligned with LAVOIE’s commitment to improving emobility, and its performance automotive heritage, Ian Callum and his design and engineering house joined the journey to create the Founders Edition’s plaque and the exclusive colour scheme of the Series 1. Four colours are available: Silent White, Racing Green, Electric Blue and Sunset Orange. Each version is illustrated here.
The Series 1 and Founders Edition models can be pre-ordered on Thursday 22nd June by visiting https://www.lavoielectric.com/ .
*Estimated Real Range Based on a 75kg, 1.75m tall rider in mode 2 in an urban environment
Eco: 50km(Standard)/70km(Max) & average speed of 15kph
Cruise: 40km(Standard)/60km(Max) & average speed of 25kph
Sport 25km(standard)/35 km(Max) & average speed of 40kph
Ian Callum, Design Director at CALLUM, said: “Inspired by LAVOIE’s ambition to effect change in micromobility through innovative design, our vibrant colours bring life and movement to the future of transportation. We are pleased to collaborate with a brand at the forefront of advancing personal mobility.”
LAVOIE CEO, Eliott Wertheimer, said: “We are proud to launch the Series 1. After years of development and significant innovation, we are confident our e-scooter will lead towards improving micromobility to automotive standards. The trust from our first customers, our Founders, is extremely important to us. The 469 units of the Founders Edition will be produced to thank them through a beautiful, uniquely numbered, vehicle. They will also benefit from early access to our upcoming launches, news and events.”
ABOUT LAVOIE
LAVOIE, founded by McLaren Applied, born of British motorsport, is driven by a desire to redefine urban mobility with high end solutions that help us live better. Series 1, our first premium electric scooter reimagines form factor with unique folding technology. Flowfold™ not only folds to fit into your life, it unfolds a whole lot more. From unfolding safety, portability and comfort, to unfolding your world, your career, your passions. Operating at the intersection between high-end design and superlative performance, LAVOIE is set to redefine micro-mobility. www.lavoielectric.com
ABOUT CALLUM
CALLUM is a design and engineering business creating bespoke and limited-edition products. CALLUM is focused on design, lifestyle and travel, taking on projects that intrigue, excite and tell a story. It is a collaboration of talented individuals with experience across art, audio, automotive, fashion and motorsport brands.
Nimble and agile, CALLUM produces exquisite design supported by quality execution, with its 30,000 sq. ft Warwick facility housing the latest technology to deliver design, prototyping, machining and trim services.
Amongst its founding members is British designer Ian Callum CBE, admired for his prolific automotive work, which includes the Aston Martin Vanquish, Vantage and DB9, Jaguar F-Type, F-PACE, XJ and, most recently, the World Car of the Year Award-winning I-PACE, amongst others.
Comments Off on CoMoUK publishes Report on Shared E-scooter Trials in England 2023
CoMoUK, an organisation and charity promoting the social, economic and environmental benefits of shared transport, has published its report on three years of e-scooter trials in England.
The charity shared, “We come to a number of recommendations, leading with the need for legislation. The trials have clearly proved popular in a sustained way and our work brings new insights into the trials, which have now been running for almost three years.”
“Our report is here and results from data gathering from operators and dialogue with all stakeholders. We look forward to delving further into the dynamics of shared e-scooters in future work and have written to transport minister to further press the case for legislation to make e-scooters legalisation via creating a new low emission powered light vehicle class.”
The report covers a wide range of topics and considerations, with trials totalling 2.3 million users and current e-scooter fleet numbers standing at over 24,000. Recommendations are given in the following seven areas: Communication, Infrastructure, Legislation, Stop treating e-scooters as cars, Procurement, Parking and Technology.
CoMoUK holds a monthly forum for authorities working on or interested in shared e-scooter trials, with the most recent one having just taken place on Monday 15th May. Interested parties may email Antonia@como.org.uk to express their interest in joining.
With a current combined fleet of 21,000 scooters in the streets in the Brussels region, a draft decision aims to cut these down to 8,000 and limit the number of operators to 2
The Brussels government wants to allow a maximum of 8,000 shared scooters in the capital’s streets from next year, vrt reports. With the number currently standing at 21,000, this equates to a reduction of more than 60%. The proposal comes in the form of a draft decision that the government has approved at second reading. From 2024, the government also wants only 2 distributors of shared scooters in the capital. Additionally, there be limits on other shared vehicles, such as bicycles and cargo bikes.
To combat wild parking, the principle of “drop zones” will be extended to the entire territory of the capital region from January. Scooters will only be allowed to be left behind in those zones. The government also wants heavier fines, or levies for the movement or removal of a vehicle that is left behind, outside of these drop zones. If that is not sufficient, it cannot be ruled out that a strict ban will be introduced at a later stage. This was already stated in parliament a few weeks ago by Minister of Mobility Elke Van den Brandt (Green).
Last autumn, Van den Brandt presented the draft decision to regulate the market for shared scooters and bicycles in Brussels. Since then, there has been extensive consultation with, among others, the municipalities and police zones. The draft decree still has to be submitted to the Council of State before the government can start a third and final reading.
Electric drive folding bikes are now included, for the first time, in a subsidy initiated by the Ministry of Climate Protection, in cooperation with the sports retail trade. Private individuals, companies, clubs and communities may now benefit from funding up to 600 Euros (450 Euros via the Ministry of Climate Protection and 150 Euros from the sports retail trade) towards folding electric or non-electric bikes, plus one bicycle service. Live since March 1 of this year, the initiative aims to make cycling more attractive to a wider group of riders, especially where folding e-bikes are more adaptable to multi-modal and public transportation. Indeed, for private individuals to be eligible for the subsidy, they need to show possession of an annual ticket for public transit. The folding bike itself must also be under 110 x 80 x 40cm folded.
Austria has seen further regulatory developments this month in the form of an announced overhaul of e-scooter regulations in Vienna. The main change will see the city set up 200 designated parking spaces for electric scooters, making it impossible to end your ride unless you park in an official space. The move is intended to better control pavement parking, and parking spaces will be situated on the road, next to WienMobil bike stations. Sites can park 8 to 10 scooters and there will be a parking ban with a radius of 100 metres around them. Outside of these stations, riders are instructed to park between cars.
Vienna already enacted a 500 scooter cap in its central zone and a 1,500 cap in districts 2 through 9 and 20, and in the future intends to designate red zones around hospitals, markets and other hotspots, where scooters will not work and parking violations will be enforced.
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