In 2020, the ITF published Safe Micromobility, a report assessing the safety of micromobility and emerging mobility services. Over the past four years, significant changes have occurred in the evidence surrounding micromobility safety. The report presents an analysis of the current evidence on recent trends and risks in micromobility safety, offering safety recommendations for both authorities and micromobility operators in line with the Safe System approach.
The analysis is grounded in a comprehensive technical report authored by the same individuals, which contains more extensive information and a complete list of references for all data and findings presented in this publication.
Policy Insights:
Micromobility is becoming safer, but the rising incidence of severe injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents is a cause for concern. Overall, shared e-scooter crash risk is decreasing as their usage is increasing faster than injuries.
Safe infrastructure and vehicle design cannot be overstated. Rider behaviour and safety equipment must be complemented by better infrastructure and improved vehicle design, particularly for e-scooters.
Reinforcing existing policies improves safety. Road safety measures also make micromobility safer – managing speed, providing training to road users, and enforcing rules against impaired driving and riding.
According to a recent report by McKinsey, the global micromobility market is projected to grow to $340 billion by 2030, a significant increase from approximately $160 billion in 2022. Europe is expected to contribute the largest portion of this value, with an estimated $140 billion by 2030, up from $60 billion in 2022.
Kersten Heineke, Co-Leader for Future Mobility at McKinsey Center, emphasized “We believe that regulation is the key market driver for micromobility, next to macroeconomic developments such as population and GDP, consumer behaviour and new emerging technologies,”
“Almost 60% of metropolises in the EU and US support micromobility through different forms of investment schemes, infrastructure projects or urban vehicle access restrictions. Within these, we have particularly seen European cities and countries as frontrunners, which in turn is driving the market development.“
The surge in market value is primarily fueled by the increasing popularity of e-bikes, which offer a wider range of applications compared to e-scooters, including cargo transport, and boast a better total cost of ownership than e-mopeds. Government subsidies targeting e-bicycles and growing interest from employers, particularly in Germany, are further accelerating this trend.
Heineke added, “Additionally, we currently see government subsidies specifically targeting e-bicycles, and also employers increasingly see the electric bicycle as a good alternative to the car when it comes to corporate leasing schemes, particularly in Germany.”
McKinsey plans to provide an updated assessment of market size at the upcoming Micromobility Industries conference in June.
Comments Off on Pendix: Zwickau electric drives for Greek bicycle innovations
What do Zwickau in Saxony, Germany and Thessaloniki in Greece have in common? In the case of the young companies Elektronio and LEVA-EU member Pendix, it is their fascination for innovating new solutions in the field of mobility. The partnership between the Greek innovation hub for two- and multi-wheelers and the Saxon e-bike drive specialist has now lasted more than six years. Time for a closer look.
Elektronio is a micromobility solutions company founded in Thessaloniki, Greece in 2015. It manufactures customized electric bikes and electric kick scooters to meet various urban transportation needs. It is produced on customer request, using a handcrafted process. This start-up runs a lab with a showroom in the city center of Thessaloniki and offers other services and products. These include conversion kits for electric bicycles, an e-bike service and a large selection of bicycle accessories.“Our journey as a start-up started with the launch of a single model, a tilting tricycle. We now have a complete portfolio of nine micromobility models on the market. Some solutions are aimed at urban commuters, others are freight models for delivery traffic, and we have also developed some special models for people with disabilities,” says Anna Chlioura. She founded the company together with co-founder Pantelis Zarkos and also acts as marketing manager.
The mobility start-up serves both corporate and end customers and sees its unique selling point in a mix of adaptability, innovative design, and occupying market niches that are neglected by competitors. An example of this is the Patin.e electric scooter. Here the manufacturer does not focus on the portability of the vehicle, but rather on its safety and a certain loading capacity. This means that the scooter can also serve as a mini delivery van.
On the same wavelength when it comes to technology and design
The Greek company has been cooperating with Pendix GmbH, a Saxon manufacturer of electric bicycle drives, since 2017. The start-up became aware of the Zwickau supplier through the Praxi Network, a Greek organization for technology transfer and innovation promotion. “We were looking for a reliable supplier for the electric part of our bicycles. What interested us most about Pendix was the technology, performance and design of the mid-drive system developed by the company. We also liked the fact that we could easily have the mid-engine as a retrofit for our services,“remembers Anna Chlioura.
“Electronio asked us at the time because it needed an electrical solution with high functionality and easy installation to optimize its vehicles. It was also important to our customer to find a long-term partner with efficient after-sales support,” explains André Seifert, Sales Manager at Pendix GmbH. In its sixth year of collaboration, the Greek start-up has primarily used the mid-engine Pendix eDrive in various e-bike models. In addition, the Pendix eDrive IN rear wheel hub motor from Zwickau production has been used for a few months now. “We tested the Pendix eDrive IN for a special electric tricycle for wheelchair users traveling with their loved ones. We are currently producing a small series of this special model with the hub motor. This offers an additional function for our e-bike, reversing, which makes it even more mobile,“explains Anna Chlioura.
The right “electrical fit” for every idea
“We work with our customers according to an all-in-one strategy. This includes all steps from development to service. Elektronio receives all physical components and the necessary software from us from a single source. Every component is configured for the customer, meaning the drive can be installed and used immediately,” says Sales Manager Seifert. In addition, the mentality of the young company from Saxony also found favor with the start-up from Thessaloniki. The supplier also gives small manufacturers access to its high-end products and promotes their development efforts. “Pendix regularly gives us new suggestions on how we can improve our small vehicles. It is also a source of inspiration for us with its constantly evolving product range. We are certain that we can develop our bike ideas without restrictions and that we always have the right ‘electrical fit’ through our supplier. As a newbie in this industry, we have also gained confidence from working with it.“
Transmission problem solved with transport bike
There is no shortage of new mobility concepts at the Greek start-up. An updated version of the Kouvala.e freight model will come onto the market in the next few months. The last edition of the transport bike had a problem transmitting the drive power from the pedals to the rear steering wheel and the two front drive wheels. A chain was out of the question, so Electronio looked into alternatives. Thanks to the Pendix eDrive IN, this problem is easily solved. In this serial hybrid drive, the original Pendix mid-engine was converted into a generator on the pedal crank, it transmits the one generated by the driver energy as well as speed and torque signals via cable to the wheel hub motors. This eliminates the chain drive train’s problems in energy transmission. Without a chain, the drive system now runs completely wear-free and there are hardly any maintenance costs. The integrated mid-engine Pendix gDrive, which will come onto the market in 2025, has already caught the start-up’s interest. This will also be used in different models in the future.
About Pendix:
The bicycle drive manufacturer Pendix, founded in 2013, is part of the Pendix Group. On the market since 2015, the employees of Pendix GmbH focus on the further development and marketing of products such as the Pendix eDrive, the hub motor Pendix eDrive IN and the integrated mid-motor Pendix gDrive. From drive production in Zwickau and the VSC.BIKE bicycle production in Allstedt, the drives, components and bicycles are sold or used by more than 750 authorized Pendix dealers, 37 bicycle manufacturers worldwide and 35 industrial customers. High quality, sustainability, reliability and smart technologies drive Pendix to deliver the best possible quality and make a contribution to the environment.
Comments Off on fka and TRL publish webinar on the future of EU micromobility technical regulations
The online event was a successful stakeholder launch of a project being conducted by TRL and fka on behalf of the European Commission on future regulations for micromobility in the EU
Lead by Dr Ianto Guy, Practice Lead at TRL, and attended by Annick Roetynck, Manager of LEVA-EU, the online webinar discussed harmonised rules to support the rise of micromobility and increased road safety for personal mobility devices. Lasting approximately 1.5 hours, the webinar included a fruitful QnA session.
TRL is a global centre for innovation in surface transport and mobility, with a focus on creating clean and efficient transport that is safe, reliable and accessible for everyone. The Germany-based fka is a research partner for the automotive industry, developing innovative solutions and strategic consulting.
The presentation includes a call for assistance, where TRL is very keen to hear from stakeholders who can help with following:
▪ Market data ▪ Evidence on the ways in which a lack of harmonised regulations is affecting the micromobility industry ▪ Collision data – particularly, detailed accounts of collision mechanisms ▪ Suggestions and feedback on cutoff limits for micromobility (30km/h, 250kg ??) – do we need to include factors other than mass and speed? ▪ Suggestions and feedback on technical requirements ▪ Suggestions and feedback on a pragmatic but effective system for self-certification which enables easy enforcement? ▪ Potential unintended consequences
Benjamin Hindson, Digital Economy Chief Commercial Officer of Aon, outlines his selection of key micromobility trends for 2024
The past year has been busy for micromobility – nearly half, or 46%, of respondents in a McKinsey consumer survey are open to switching from their private vehicles to alternative modes of transportation in the next decade. This indicates that the micromobility sector will likely remain a focal point to observe in 2024.
Here are seven prominent trends poised to revolutionize mobility:
1. Growth in mobility as a service (MaaS)
More people are embracing multi-modal travel, opting for a diverse range of transportation options such as scooters, bikes, taxis, and car rentals. It’s one of the reasons we’re seeing growth in MaaS represented by super transport apps which allow users to access multiple services through a single platform. Due to this trend, micromobility providers and operators can afford to specialise while tapping into a broader mobility network.
2. The rise of mobility hubs
There is an expected continual rise in multi-modal hubs – centralised areas offering various transport options, centred around existing train stations or taxi hubs. As smart cities advance and we become more connected, these hubs will play a pivotal role in facilitating efficient movement.
3. Enhanced use of data and telematics
In the micromobility sector, there is increased data collection and analysis, enabling operators to compare behaviour for a variety of factors (e.g. night vs. day riding, first to multiple-time users, notifications for accidents or interference, whether a scooter has been ridden on the pavement or road, and so on). This data-rich environment enables operators to understand customer decision making, safety patterns and usage across different zones, enabling a comprehensive understanding of risk factors beyond conventional crash hazards.
4. Increased regulation and expanding personal ownership
It is anticipated that more countries, regions and cities will adopt a tender process for micromobility operators to run their services in a particular town or city. New UK legislation is expected around the use of e-scooters which could accelerate private use. Despite widespread private ownership of bikes, shared bike schemes thrive, indicating potential coexistence between private and shared micromobility.
5. Design evolution
Micromobility vehicles are evolving to be more sustainable, durable, and recyclable; this is likely to carry on in 2024, specifically with continued evolution in terms of their design. The development of micro cars, such as the Citroën Ami – pods for urban mobility – is also expected to gain momentum, meaning more may be seen on the streets.
6. More consolidation and mergers and acquisitions
As venture capital funding becomes more expensive for operators, who are overall, not yet profitable, the industry may witness greater consolidation and mergers to achieve scalability and profitability faster. The rate of mergers and acquisitions could pick up in 2024 to accelerate business models.
7. Insurance competition opportunties
While there remains a market appetite for general liability cover for micromobility operators, especially where the risk is placed using brokers who understand the risk and the business model, rider liability poses challenges. Next year it’s likely to be very similar unless more insurers enter the scene. New insurers are hesitant due to a lack of understanding for how to apply the data to their existing models. For the right insurer, there are opportunities to foster competition that may benefit micromobility operators.
Micromobility’s return to Paris
By the time of the Paris Olympics in July next year, it will be interesting to see how many of these themes are playing out in the first half of 2024. For the city which recently banned rented e-scooters from its streets, micromobility advocates will be interested to see a sponsored range of 250 seated and standing “personal battery electric vehicles“, in place to help athletes, organisers and volunteers move between the venues in Paris.
In a recent eye-opening report by The Conversation, the focus is on electric bikes and mopeds, revealing their remarkable impact on slashing oil demand, outpacing the effects of electric cars. The article notes that 44% of all Australian commuter trips are by car, particularly for distances under 10km, mirroring trends in wealthier countries like the United States, where 60% of car trips cover less than 10km.
Contrary to the assumption that electric cars are the go-to solution, the report highlights that for short trips, electric bikes and mopeds, collectively known as electric micromobility, prove to be a more economical and environmentally friendly option. Astoundingly, these micromobility options are displacing four times more demand for oil than all the world’s electric cars combined. This is largely attributed to their widespread adoption in China and other nations where mopeds are a prevalent form of transport.
The global landscape of electric vehicles (EVs) reveals a stark contrast. While there were over 20 million electric vehicles and 1.3 million commercial EVs on the roads last year, the numbers of two- and three-wheelers eclipse these figures with over 280 million electric mopeds, scooters, motorcycles, and three-wheelers. Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates that the sheer popularity of these smaller vehicles is already reducing oil demand by about 1% globally, equivalent to a million barrels of oil per day.
The report challenges the perception of electric cars as an unequivocal solution due to their space consumption, heavy reliance on electricity, and the environmental impact of battery production. In comparison, electric bikes and mopeds emerge as efficient, cost-effective alternatives, particularly for short-hop trips. For instance, commuting on an e-bike 20km a day, five days a week, costs approximately $20 annually in charging.
As electric micromobility gains traction globally, it offers a unique opportunity to reconsider urban transportation. Smaller electric options like scooters and skateboards address the last-kilometer problem in public transport systems, offering a swift solution for the inconvenient distance between home and transportation hubs. Studies suggest that widespread adoption of e-bikes could lead to a 7% reduction in transport emissions if they account for 11% of all vehicle trips.
In conclusion, as petrol prices rise and battery costs fall, the cost-effectiveness of electric micromobility, coupled with its potential to significantly cut urban emissions, challenges the dominance of electric cars. As global oil demand is projected to peak in 2028, the report suggests that electric micromobility might play a pivotal role in accelerating the decline, given its rapid adoption and cost advantages. Individuals are encouraged to reassess their transportation needs, considering electric bikes and mopeds for short trips, while keeping electric cars in mind for longer journeys or group outings.
Comments Off on The answer to battery fires? Swifty’s new Go G500 e-scooter unveiled
Zag Daily speaks with Swifty’s co-founders about the launch of their new Swifty GO series and novel LFP battery design used in Teslas that is set to shake up the industry.
British scooter manufacturer Swifty Scooters unveiled a brand new Swifty GO G500 e-scooter, with an innovative Lithium FerroPhosphate (LFP) battery that resists thermal runaway, at Micromobility Industries summit in San Francisco on Oct 19-20.
Featuring Swifty’s signature 16-inch wheels, the mobility brand is adamant that this is the optimal choice and claims the experience of riding the Swifty Go is like no other due to its design choices.
Its disk brakes, dual suspension to smooth out uneven terrain, indicator lights, and large deck for better stability means it is optimised for rider safety, handling and control.
Co-founder Jason Iftakhar tells Zag Daily what inspired the Swifty brand name. “Swift birds fly close to the ground. They are acrobatic, fast and beautiful. That’s what we wanted to capture in the Swifty GO G500.
“The element of fun in the design is very important. That’s the essence of how we’ve built such a successful international brand. Riding is effortless. It’s fast and exhilarating like skiing or skateboarding, but anyone can do it, and nine times out of 10 they’ll come back with a smile.”
The fast-charging option gets to 80% in less than an hour and fully charges in three hours. A grip-twist throttle with comfort grips drive the 500W rear hub motor, reaching a top speed of 15.5 mph.
A safer battery chemistry
Perhaps the most unique safety feature is hidden at first sight. The 36V Lithium FerroPhosphate battery is tucked away underneath the wooden footplate. Different from Lithium-ion batteries, the LFP battery is known for its long life cycle, high charge efficiency, and that it resists thermal runaway which can lead to battery fires.
Developed in collaboration with British battery manufacturer PMBL, the LFP battery is a welcome addition to the e-scooter market.
Jason says: “LFP has never been used in an e-scooter before. It’s traditionally used in electric vehicles like Teslas or for battery storage in the grid.
“It’s not massively used because the energy density is less than a lithium-ion battery which takes up around half the space. We’ve been able to crack that by putting it all under the footplate.
“It’s going to shake up the market because unlike other batteries this will never catch fire. It is inherently safe. This is something that you can trust, something that you can charge in your home. You don’t have to worry about it.”
The battery’s durability and longer lifespan means Swifty’s environmentally conscious riders can feel good about their choice while getting more value from their investment. Importantly, the G500 uses components driven by international standards. The perishable components like tyres and brakes are easy to source so the customer can fix and repair their scooter long into the future.
Swifty’s supply chain also draws from more local British suppliers – the frames are made in Hertfordshire, the batteries in Devon and the scooters are assembled at its headquarters in Manchester.
When including the battery, the G500 weighs 24 kg and has a max load of 150 kg to accommodate the weight added with the optional pannier rack.
Camilla Iftakhar, Swifty’s other Co-Founder explains why including the panniers was a must for the design team: “It was crucial for us to address utility. If scooters are really going to replace short car journeys, they need to be able to carry some shopping. No one has ever addressed panniers on a scooter very well before, so we designed a pannier system which is massively expandable on the front and the back.”
Designed to complement cycling and walking
The G500 seeks to enable those who have barriers to cycling and walking.
In a recent survey, Swifty revealed that 20% of people would consider an e-scooter because they don’t cycle, while 28% said their journey is too far to walk.
“We’ve been manufacturing scooters for 10 years now and I’ve learnt that while many of our customers just love the feeling of scooting, a significant group of them have found that riding a scooter has completely unlocked their mobility. It’s just so easy to ride, and using a scooter really has a transformative effect on their well-being. The promise of unlocking freedom and independence really does come in one package.”
The e-scooter is setting a new standard in the industry. Despite the fact that private e-scooters are currently illegal on public UK roads, the co-founders are optimistic about the future.
“Safety gives people confidence,” says Jason. “By creating an e-scooter that inspires that confidence, we can spark effective change. I don’t believe in mandating change. I believe in inspiring change. That’s what we’re trying to achieve.”
The first 100 scooters will be delivered in April 2024. Prices for the Swifty GO G500 start from £2,499 and are delivered worldwide.
Brussels has introduced a single app that consolidates all local mobility services, making Floya a valuable tool for your next visit to the Belgian capital.
Floya, the latest mobile app from the city of Brussels, is designed to cater to the needs of both residents and tourists. Launched recently, this app seamlessly integrates Mobility as a Service (MaaS) by aggregating all public and private transportation options into one user-friendly platform – right on your smartphone.
This digital tool is a collaborative effort between STIB-MIVB, the local public transit operator, and Brussels Mobility. Together, they aim to enhance flexibility and responsiveness in addressing mobility requirements while encouraging users to shift away from personal vehicles in favor of the diverse range of transportation choices now accessible.
Gone are the days of cluttering your phone with numerous mobility apps. Floya empowers users to effortlessly plan, book, and pay for various transportation modes within Brussels. Currently, it encompasses the four primary public transportation modes (metro, trams, buses, and trains), as well as various shared scooter, bicycle, and car services. Additionally, it offers the capability to unlock shared mobility devices post-payment and provides real-time information about disruptions or alternate routes.
As a result, this new app represents an expansion and enhancement of the STIB-MIVB app, intelligently integrating options from the private sector. Its overarching objective is to present Brussels’ mobility services as a unified ecosystem, regardless of the economic interests of individual branches.
Brussels’ mobility landscape is continually evolving, and Floya is expected to evolve alongside it. A range of exciting new features is in the pipeline, promising users even more choices and convenience.
NABSA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources, education, and advocacy for the shared micromobility industry, and to creating spaces for the industry’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors to convene and empower each other.
NABSA unveiled its fourth annual Shared Micromobility State of the Industry Report for North America on August 10th. The 2022 edition of the report reveals that shared micromobility ridership in North America rebounded to levels seen before the pandemic and expanded to encompass more cities than ever before. In 2022, a staggering 157 million shared micromobility trips were recorded across 401 cities in North America. Furthermore, the systems expanded significantly, boasting the highest count of shared micromobility vehicles deployed to date, totaling 289,000.
This year marked a period of resilience and growth for the industry. In 2022, trip numbers returned to pre-pandemic norms, and the proliferation of shared micromobility in various cities accelerated. The landscape of shared micromobility vehicles underwent continuous evolution, with e-devices such as e-scooters and e-bikes gaining momentum and increasing in popularity.
Docked bikes just take the majority in trip numbers, at 50% of 157 million trips (46% to e-scooters), with electric bicycles accounting for 30.9 million of all trips within the bicycles category (docked and dockless). Therefore for electrically assisted trips, e-scooters dominate at 72.2 million journeys in 2022. In terms of units available for use across the country, scooters take a clear lead at 172,000 (60%) with electric bikes making up the smaller portion of the bicycle category, at 41,000 units.