Micromobility operator and LEVA-EU member Dott has reported a rapid rise in the use of its fleet of e-scooters and e-bikes across Europe, as the peak summer season gets underway.
The total number of rides increased by 73% in Q2 compared to Q1, and year-on-year was up by 192%.
Dott attributes this growth to a sharp rise in new riders, which have increased by 116% compared to Q1.
Henri Moissinac, co-founder and CEO of Dott, stated: “The summer season provides a great opportunity for more people to try our shared e-scooter and e-bike services for the first time. Our riders are quick to realise that our vehicles can transform their travel experience, using our service for efficient, fun and reliable travel on a more regular basis.”
Dott has over 50,000 vehicles in place across major European cities, with its e-bikes, which were launched at the end of 2021, gaining popularity alongside the existing e-scooters.
Rider experience has been captured, with 58% of new riders saying a key reason for trying Dott is to save time, 53% that they are fun to ride, and 52% saying that the vehicles are easy to use and readily available.
Dott puts the environment and social impact to the fore, saying that it is working to reuse, upcycle or recycle 100% of used vehicles and parts, and aims for vehicles to have a five-year-plus lifespan. In addition, Dott is targeting 100% electric logistics fleet and renewable energies in all the cities it operates in, and works with local organisations and communities to make access to its services as wide as possible.
Comments Off on Bafang “shifts” to hassle-free riding – the new 3-speed automatic gear hub
LEVA-EU member Bafang introduces its new 3-speed automatic gear hub. This intelligent-acting hub takes over from the driver the otherwise manual process of changing gears, according to the speed, in a quiet, discreet, and precise fashion… automatically! Instead of shifting gears, the motto is ‘enjoy!’
Photo: Bafang/3 speed automatic gear hub
Bafang is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of eBike drive systems and continues to expand its extensive product portfolio in the drive components segment with fresh innovation. Weighing only 1.7kg, this powerful 80Nm hub can be supported by both chain- and belt-driven motors. Plus, it can be used without any electric assistance at all on standard pedalling bicycles. This automatic gear hub is particularly suitable for e-trekking, e-city, and e-cargo bikes (reduction ratios of 1:1, 1:1.36, and 1:1.65).
Low maintenance – high performance
An optional speed detection sensor replaces the traditional sensor installed on the chain stay, providing a very clean solution for mid-drive systems. The new 3-speed automatic hub has precise shift points depending on wheel speed, thanks to Bafang’s exquisite clutch mechanism. The hub can be combined with eMotors that are designed to support up to 25km or 32km. Furthermore, it can of course also be used for regular bicycles. No matter if 20’’ or 24’’, for folding/concept bikes, or for the bigger sizes such as 26’’or 28’’, the gear hub excels. The shift points are ideally matched (cadence calculated/based on a 38T/16T chain wheel), so manual, hectic shifting is no longer necessary. This means less distraction from the road, with more riding comfort and safety for the rider. In terms of components, there is no need for an additional shifter and shift cable, resulting in lower maintenance requirements, easier servicing, and high performance.
Furthermore, this stylish and solid-looking automatic shines with the following technical data: Belt freewheel (optional, open to Gates specifications), 16T or 18-single freewheel specifications, OLD: 135mm, spoke hole: 36x13G, additional chain wheel inside. Due to the powerful design of this innovative gear hub, it can only be integrated in applications equipped with disc or V brakes.
LEVA-EU member, Mahle, has begun production of the X20 e-bike drive system at its assembly line in Slovenia. The site, located in Šempeter pri Gorici, currently employs around 20 workers and has already delivered its first engines after becoming operational this year.
The Mahle X20 drive system weighs less than 3.2 kilograms – including the battery and control unit. The motor delivers an impressive 23 Newton meters of power directly to the wheel, comparable to a mid-motor of 55Nm of torque, making the model suitable for gravel bikes, racing bikes, and urban e-bikes. Within the X20, a range of sensors monitor acceleration, speed, torque, temperature, and cadence. Artificial intelligence then works within the motor to continuously adjust drive power in line with cyclist behavior.
Dr. Armin Messerer, Vice President Mechatronics and responsible for the E-Bike Drive Systems division at Mahle shares, “We are pleased that the industrialization of the X20 went so smoothly and that we have already been able to deliver the first e-bike motors from Šempeter to our customers. With our X20 drive system, which can be installed almost invisibly in the frame and hub, we offer our customers a top-class product that sets new standards in terms of power-to-weight ratio.“
Comments Off on Micro launches configurator for its long-awaited Microlino
Pricing starts from CHF 14‘990 incl. VAT in Switzerland
Europe base price will be approximately EUR 12‘500 excluding VAT. Exact prices per country will be announced with the respective launch in that country
A fullyequipped Pioneer with a medium battery pack starts at CHF 20‘990 incl. VAT
Swiss customers have to make a refundable deposit of CHF 500 to secure their spot on the waiting list
Deposits in other markets will be launched step by step, depending on market entry in that country
First test drive events will be announced at the end of June
The Swiss company Micro has launched its long-awaited configurator today. The more than 30‘000 reservation holders are able to configure the vehicle starting from today. The Microlino marks a new product category between a motorbike and a car aimed to be a more eco-friendly and space-saving alternative to cars. With 12.5kW nominal power, 230l of trunk volume, and up to 230km of range, the Microlino is best in class in the European L7e and L6e vehicle categories. It also is the only vehicle in this category to have a unibody chassis, that improves quality, longevity, and safety compared to conventional tubular frames normally used in the L7e class.
But not just its design and the features are unique: due to the light weight that enables the use of a smaller battery, the Microlino has only about one-third of the carbon footprint of a conventional electric car. In addition, the Microlino is produced in Italy and 90% of its parts are produced in Europe, making its supply chain more sustainable. “This is why the Microlino is probably the most sustainable weather-protected vehicle in existence”, says founder Oliver Ouboter.
Along with the configurator, Micro is releasing the official list prices for the Microlino in Switzerland. Prices will start at 14‘990 CHF including VAT. In Europe, prices will start from approximately 12‘500 EUR excluding VAT. The exact list prices including VAT will be communicated closer to the official launch in the various countries. “Despite the challenges in the worldwide supply chain and multiplication in prices of certain raw materials and doubling in battery prices, we are satisfied to launch a premium and unique light electric vehicle at an affordable price“, says Co-Founder Merlin Ouboter.
The launch edition is called „Pioneer Series“ and is limited to 999 vehicles as an homage to Micro being founded in 1999, with the invention of the first Kickscooter. It is available in two colors only available in the Pioneer Series called Torino Aluminium and Atlantis Blue. All Pioneer Series will be equipped with the medium 10.5kWh battery pack with a range of up to 177km, the sunroof for the ultimate Summer feeling, Infinity-LED Lightbars with integrated blinkers front and rear, premium vegan leather and Alcantara interior, portable Bluetooth speakers, the storage pack and will each have a unique number visible on the inside. In addition, they will all come with an original Micro Kick scooter in the trunk to cover the last mile. The Pioneer Series will have a price of 20‘990 CHF including VAT or roughly 18‘500 EUR excluding VAT in European countries. “The Pioneer Series is for the true Pioneers that want to help make mobility more eco-friendly and space-saving. Because let’s face it: we have to make mobility not only electric but also lighter and smaller“, says Wim Ouboter, who founded Micro in 1999.
Swiss customers are asked to make a deposit of 500 CHF to secure their spot on the waiting list. Next, they will be selected based on their location, configuration, and reservation date to make their final order. Micro plans to do a series of test-drive events to make sure that as many customers as possible can test drive the Microlino. The exact dates and locations of these events will be announced at the end of June. By then, Micro will also give all details about the service and sales net in Switzerland. The first deliveries will take place from Micro‘s own brand center near Zurich this Summer.
Customers outside of Switzerland can for now use the configurator and make a reservation without a deposit. Once deliveries in a market are near, these customers to have to make a deposit to secure their spot in the waiting line. The next markets that will be launched are Germany and Italy. First deliveries for these two markets are expected by the end of 2022.
The company targets to produce up to 1500 vehicles this year in a factory that it is operating in Turin, Italy, together with its partner CECOMP. Eventually, the company will be able to produce up to 10,000 vehicles in this factory per year. “The demand that we see is huge and we are considering increasing our capacity even further in the future. For this year, we focus on quality, not quantity“, says Oliver Ouboter. The first customer deliveries in Switzerland will take place this summer, and German and Italian deliveries will start towards the end of 2022.
Comments Off on QWIC strengthens sales position in Germany
Dutch LEVA-EU member e-bike brand QWIC is strengthening its sales position in Germany by entering into a partnership with the E-motion E-bike Expert Group. Dealers in the dealer network of the E-motion Group are specialized in electric bicycles and only carry e-bike types and brands of the highest quality and reliability. QWIC is known for its qualitatively and innovatively designed e-bikes.
The collaboration between E-motion and QWIC started in April. The quality of the QWIC e-bikes was decisive for E-motion to enter into the partnership. The good availability of QWIC e-bikes and the fact that only QWIC employees are the point of contact for service have also contributed to this.
In addition, a convincing argument was that the dealer can always respond to the wishes of the customer and reorder e-bikes according to individual needs via the QWIC Dealer portal and without shipping costs. The high quality and durable components of the bicycles, as well as the design and the very comfortable riding characteristics, convinced E-motion.
“I am very pleased that we have again secured an important strategic partner with the E-motion E-bike Expert Group and its e-bike experts to make the QWIC brand accessible to customers throughout Germany and to strengthen the specialized trade”, says Rasched Abu-Isbeih, Sales Manager, QWIC Germany.
Since 2009, the E-motion E-bike Expert Group has been an independent association of economically independent specialist dealers specializing in electric bicycles. The network currently consists of 75 e-bike expert shops in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Comments Off on Podbike updates on manufacturing progress
LEVA-EU Member Podbike reports on an intensely busy time at headquarters as they focus on delivering their first run of bikes to pre-order customers.
During some last-minute design checks, Podbike staff discovered that the rivets used on the FRIKAR’s base plate did not match the manufacturer’s claimed technical specifications. To fully ensure reliability, Podbike are undertaking additional fatigue-testing to check the rivets’ durability.
With the testing ongoing, Podbike hope that no changes will be needed. However, if the rivets are found to be not strong enough, new base plates will be built. These are due to arrive in July.
Podbike have reiterated that first FRIKAR deliveries will go to customers in Norway and then to customers in Germany. Starting in 2023, Podbike will launch in other countries, one at a time.
Podbike also report on engineering tweaks to the FRIKAR’s design, which have been integrated following insightful comments during last year’s test ride tour of Norway and northern Germany.
One issue which has challenged Podbike’s engineers is unwanted noise inside the cabin. The electric motor, plus the sound of the driver pedalling, was a bit too loud for some.
Podbike are working to optimize the solution while also avoiding adding too much weight, and report that solving the noise issue will take time. They acknowledge that this is a common issue for every velomobile where the drivetrain and moving parts are inside the rider cabin, rather than hidden in a separate, heavy and soundproofed engine compartment.
Finally, Podbike have shared details and a short video of their new Dynamometer Jig for dyno testing the FRIKAR.
Enviolo and LEVA-EU member Bafang have successfully completed the integration of Enviolo’s AUTOMATiQ control units into Bafang’s drivetrain system and display unit. The new firmware integration allows the cyclist to change all bike and ride settings such as the cadence setpoint or calibrate Enviolo’s AUTOMATiQ interface through the Bafang system. This provides a fully integrated user experience as all settings can be changed through one display control unit resulting in a clean handlebar. Additional LEVA-EU member QWIC will be the first bicycle company to launch e-bikes with the Enviolo and Bafang integration.
Billy van den Ende, Director of Brand Experience at Enviolo: “Our goal is to get people out of the car and onto a bike but we need to build great bikes to be able to achieve this goal. We believe that by offering a fully integrated user experience we are creating a safer and more pleasurable ride experience. Bafang is one of the leading manufacturers of complete e-drive systems and it only makes sense for us to integrate the Enviolo AUTOMATiQ systems with Bafang’s motor system. QWIC is a long-term Enviolo partner and we are very proud to have this new technology on QWIC’S innovative Premium i Auto model.”
Jos Schutte, Technical Innovation Lead at QWIC: “With every generation of e-bikes we work on making them smarter and better. But “smarter” should not, of course, mean that the bike becomes more complicated. On the contrary, we strive to make cycling itself as enticing as possible. The cooperation between Enviolo, Bafang and QWIC allows us to improve the cycling experience for the user. A big benefit of the QWIC Premium i Auto model is that it’s now possible to change desired cadence setpoint of Enviolo AUTOMATiQ through the Bafang display, eliminating any need for extra controllers and ensuring a clean handlebar.”
Joe Jiang, Marketing & Sales Director at Bafang: “Bafang and Enviolo are two pioneering companies in the e-bike drive world that have built up an excellent reputation in recent years. Therefore, it was only a matter of time for both companies to work closely on new projects together. Bafang has found Enviolo to be an ideal partner. Together we provide the right concept and the right, future-oriented product to meet the existing and future demands and requirements of the bicycle industry. Both companies are enormously innovation-driven and are therefore looking forward to a new, inspiring, processive and forward-looking projects that are oriented towards the customer and meet their needs.”
Established in 1999 and previously known as Carplus and Bikeplus, CoMoUK is now playing a leading role in the UK’s transition to integrated mobility solutions, all designed for the public good
The provider shared, “We have decided to remove the application fee for mobility hub accreditation. We have a number under consideration for accreditation and are always happy to talk with anyone about hubs and our accreditation standard or other work.”
CoMoUK supports the development of shared modes via sponsorship opportunities and R&D, with a focus on car clubs, bike share, 2+ car share, and new modes to include scooter sharing and “on-demand” buses, all paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Of course, safety ranks as high as sustainability when it comes to sharing transport, and that’s where mobility hubs display their importance. Mobility hubs are highly visible, safe, and accessible spaces where the aforementioned shared travel modes can be positioned to aid the local community. Overseas hub examples have been exemplary and have set a benchmark for those using them and, indeed, those living nearby.
CoMoUK has collaborated with partners to create a set of standards for assessing new mobility hubs, the core of which details six contributing factors for success. The six foundation factors considered for the successful scheme design are the following:
Choice of sustainable modes: Including public and shared modes as well as consideration of pedestrians
Visibility and accessibility: Hubs need to be part of a clearly identifiable network with services that are easily accessible to all
Ease of switching between modes: Both in terms of physically and digitally linking the use of the different modes
Safety: The design and facilities should ensure traveler safety is a key factor
Practical facilities: Good design will consider what non-transport practical additions can be included
Visual, social, and community appeal: Finally, a successful mobility hub will enhance the area visually, and provide a contribution to the social and community fabric
Ahead of any implementation, these six quality standards function as a checklist. Each can be applied to mobility hubs and cover not just the designs, but also the process for community consultation and application. CoMoUK will assess anyone who is developing a hub, whereby they will receive a full assessment and an accompanying bronze, silver, or gold status. A set of suggested elements required to meet these standards and achieve accreditation can be found on CoMoUK’s website (como.org.uk).
Comments Off on New mobility EU pilot project starts with SWOBBEE & URBAN DRIVESTYLE in Berlin
The e-bike manufacturer URBAN DRIVESTYLE and the Berlin GreenTech startup, LEVA-EU member SWOBBEE, announce a partnership and launch an innovative exchangeable battery subscription model for the utility e-bikes from URBAN DRIVESTYLE in Berlin.
The exclusive fat e-bikes in a casual signature look from the Berlin manufacturer URBAN DRIVESTYLE are ideal companions for long journeys in the urban environment – the perfect vehicle for fun, family, friends & work goes every mile. Both the UNI MK CLASSIC and the UNI SWING are developed and handcrafted in Berlin, Niederschöneweide, and are, therefore ‘Made in Germany’. With one charge, both e-bike models cover distances of up to 80 kilometers at a top speed of 25 km/h.
The extensive range of stations offered by the exchangeable battery network provider SWOBBEE is now expanding the UD Bike Community’s radius of use. The utility e-bikes UNI MK CLASSIC and UNI SWING from URBAN DRIVESTYLE are now being delivered with SWOBBEE-compatible AES batteries. If necessary, the battery can be exchanged for a full one at the SWOBBEE changing stations in just a few seconds – the range and operating times are therefore almost unlimited, a great plus in terms of flexibility for commercial customers. The new interchangeable app for iOS and Android and the operator dashboard offer easy access: Drive straight to the station, log in with the app, swap the battery and continue driving. Simple, convenient, and fast. The SWOBBEE station network will be rolled out in all major German cities by 2024.
The SWOBBEE test subscription in combination with the UD e-bikes was presented for the first time at the VELOBerlin – with test rides of over 1000km on the two days of the fair it was a complete success.
“The puristic fat e-bikes from URBAN DRIVESTYLE show that the turnaround in mobility can be really stylish. We are very happy to work together to make the URBAN DRIVESTYLE e-bikes even more attractive as a sustainable, city-friendly mobility alternative through innovative battery-as-a-service offers,” explains Tobias Breyer, Head of Marketing & Co-Founder, SWOBBEE.
“What connects us with SWOBBEE is above all the claim to promote the traffic turnaround through innovative concepts. The flexibility provided by the SWOBBEE exchangeable battery stations is a perfect benefit for our customers. The partnership is therefore an ideal, logical next step for us and we look forward to further cooperation,” says Tilmann Eberhard, URBAN DRIVESTYLE.
Together, the two partners are also implementing a pioneering pilot project that offers a glimpse of the future of urban mobility. The starting signal for the “Berlin Bike Booster” campaign will be given shortly, as part of which the SWOBBEE Sharing Points will be opened for b2c applications for the first time.
Campaign success
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