Tag Archive: SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

  1. Intermobility Future Ways recap: exploring the future of shared and sustainable mobility

    Comments Off on Intermobility Future Ways recap: exploring the future of shared and sustainable mobility

    Source: EU Urban Mobility Observatory

    The Intermobility Future Ways (IFW) forum was hosted in Rimini, Italy from November 19 to 21 2024, bringing together policymakers, industry professionals, and mobility experts to discuss the future of shared and sustainable urban mobility.

    The event featured workshops, conferences, and key reports focusing on green and digital innovations in mobility systems. Organized over three days, IFW provided a platform for highlighting sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs) strategies to address transport poverty, and policies promoting urban vehicle access regulations (UVARs).

    Day 1: Launch of Intermobility Future Ways Report

    It opened with a plenary session and the presentation of the Intermobility Future Ways Report, outlining key trends in shared and collective mobility. Attendees participated in workshops exploring future mobility solutions and the role of technology in advancing sustainable transport policies.

    Day 2: Sharing Mobility and Transport Poverty

    The second day focused on shared mobility, with the 8th National Sharing Mobility Conference presenting the latest National Sharing Mobility Report. Discussions centered on Italy’s progress in shared transport services and challenges in expanding these offerings.

    Key sessions were also shared detailing the lack of access to affordable and reliable transportation options, and how UVAR policies could improve urban accessibility while reducing traffic congestion and emissions.

    Day 3: MobyDixit and the SUMP conference

    The final day featured MobyDixit, Euromobility’s annual mobility management event, which included the 24th Conference on Mobility Management and the 8th SUMP Conference.

    There was also a session that discussed how Italy and other European countries are implementing SUMPS to meet EU sustainability goals, and introduced the SUMP and National Support Scheme Programme (NSSP) Training Initative, which aims to prepare local authorities to comply with the TEN-T Regulation, which mandates that urban nodes must adopt SUMPs by 2027.

    Key takeaways on SUMPs in Italy

    A major highlight of IFW was the session “SUMPs 2.0: New Goals for Cities”, reflecting on Italy’s progress in adopting Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans over the past decade. Moderated by Carla Messina from the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT), the session featured experts including Patrizia Malgieri (TRT) and Daniela De Leo (Università Federico II Napoli).

    The discussion highlighted four key areas for improving Italy’s SUMP framework:

    • Setting measurable goals for mobility plans.
    • Implementing evaluation tools to track progress.
    • Engaging stakeholders to raise public awareness.
    • Positioning SUMPs as actionable frameworks with short-term measures to achieve tangible results.

    A collaborative path forward

    IFW underscored the importance of collaboration between local governments, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in achieving sustainable mobility. The event emphasized that shared mobility and SUMPs are vital tools in addressing climate challenges, reducing transport poverty, and ensuring more equitable urban transport systems across Europe.

    More information about the event can be accessed here.

  2. Belgian Semois & Lesse Police add AMPYRE e-steps to their fleet as a sustainable support vehicle

    Comments Off on Belgian Semois & Lesse Police add AMPYRE e-steps to their fleet as a sustainable support vehicle

    LEVA-EU member AMPYRE announces that a local Belgian police force has selected its e-bike models for patrolling communities sustainably

    Semois & Lesse Police has chosen two e-steps to add to its fleet, to enhance its work efficiently with agile and eco-friendly transportation.

    Neighbourhood officers will use AMPYRE models to increase their visibility and accessibility in local communities and nourish stronger connections. They’ll also be deployed to ensure smooth and efficient operations at public events.

    The AMPYRE team are proud to support the police in keeping communities safe with their green transportation solutions, as they take steps toward a more sustainable future.

    Stay tuned as more AMPYRE hit the streets.

  3. LEVA-EU Assesses PMD-Report for Commission: Valuable Recommendations and Serious Flaws

    Comments Off on LEVA-EU Assesses PMD-Report for Commission: Valuable Recommendations and Serious Flaws

    LEVA-EU welcomes the report published by TRL and fka, at the request of the European Commission, regarding the need for harmonised rules for so-called Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs). The report formulates four regulatory options, with the fourth option being the development of a universal approval system for all PMDs. LEVA-EU also welcomes that this fourth option is recommended as “the solution which would provide the greatest benefit with the least disruption.“

    A separate technical regulatory framework for all so-called PMDs is a solution that LEVA-EU has pursued since its inception. Unfortunately, the researchers elsewhere in the report, undermine this solution by adding other illogical and inconsistent proposals to the fourth option.

    Contradictory proposals

    For example, they believe that Electrically Pedal Assisted Cycles (EPACs) should remain within their current legal framework and only later be included in the proposed new PMD framework. The only reason they provide for this is that the current rules for EPACs are working. They do not mention that this specific EPAC-legislation prevents any other solutions for electric bicycles beyond pedal assistance limited by speed (25 km/h) and maximum continuous power (250 W).

    These other solutions are now completely impossible because they fall under Regulation 168/2013. The reality clearly shows that type approval for these vehicles is unsuitable, as to date, no vehicles in this category, particularly L1e-A, are on the market. The call in the report to keep EPACs in their current legal framework is also directly contradicted by the researcher’s finding that “If both speed and acceleration are regulated, motor power is not relevant to the performance of the machine in any meaningful way.” Why they think that speed and acceleration should be regulated for some PMDs, while others should still have a motor power limit, is not explained in the study.

    Vital threat to heavy carrier cycles

    Another potentially very threatening proposal is to bring carrier cycles with a maximum permitted mass of more than 250kg under the L-category. By the way, there is no manufacturer of these vehicles listed among the stakeholders who provided feedback! If this plan is implemented, it would immediately spell the death of these types of vehicles, as they would be unable to comply with the technical rules of the L-category!

    It is also particularly painful that this study was released to the press just as we, together with many other experts, were working in TC 333 – WG9 on the final European standards for carrier cycles. This has required a great deal of effort and hard work from a large group of people over five years. The fact that the study dismisses all that work with one stroke of the pen, and without further argumentation, is, to say the least, painful.

    While fka and TRL were conducting their research into so-called PMDs for DG Grow, another department of the Commission, DG Move, was working on recommendations for future urban transport. Two historic recommendations were officially adopted, recognising Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) as a separate vehicle category that warrants distinct technical requirements. These recommendations appear to have been overlooked by the researchers. LEVA-EU will urge the Commission to ensure that all decisions regarding technical legislation for LEVs (referred to as PMDs in the report) are made with due regard to these recommendations.

    On December 9, the report will be officially presented to the Motorcycle Working Group. LEVA-EU will listen attentively and, after the presentation, will formulate an extensive position on this research.

    Further information on the research and a link to the research are here: https://shorturl.at/3lW0M

  4. Mobility options such as e-bikes are popular among German employees

    Comments Off on Mobility options such as e-bikes are popular among German employees

    Source: SAZ Bike

    Future Mobility Lab of the University of St. Gallen, Germany, investigates workplace mobility transitions in 2024/2025 research project.

    The Future Mobility Lab, part of the University of St. Gallen’s Institute for Mobility, is conducting a research project in 2024/2025 to explore how workplace mobility behaviour can be successfully transformed. A preliminary report from the study has now been published.

    Corporate bike fleets on the rise

    Corporate bikes are becoming increasingly popular. A representative sample of socially insured employees in Germany was surveyed to assess how likely employers are to offer various mobility options. Scenarios included e-car leasing, company bike leasing, the Germany Ticket, car-sharing, micro-mobility sharing, and mobility budgets. Notably, 95% of employees surveyed in Germany stated their employer offers the option to work remotely.

    The study revealed that 76% of employees occasionally or frequently combine their commute with other errands. This highlights the rising relevance of e-cargo bikes. Flexibility and time efficiency emerged as the top factors influencing employees’ choice of transportation for commuting. Additionally, over 55% of respondents emphasised the importance of sustainability in mobility options.

    E-bike ranks second among preferred benefits

    “The majority of results speak in favour of company bikes as a commuting vehicle. As a partner of the Future Mobility Lab, it is extremely important for us to use scientific findings, like those in the current study, to further develop our mobility strategy and provide tailored solutions to our customers. Particularly in urban areas, where about 43% of the surveyed companies are based, the potential of high-quality company bikes remains largely untapped,” said Fabian Kral, CSO of Company Bike. Since 2012, Company Bike has been helping businesses transition to flexible mobility solutions through corporate bikes.

    Interestingly, when asked about their preferred workplace benefits, employees ranked e-bikes second only to additional paid vacation days.

    High demand for company bike leasing

    From the employers’ perspective, 618 organisations in the Future Mobility Lab’s network participated in the study through a convenience sampling approach. Respondents included fleet, mobility, and HR managers who shared insights into their mobility strategies.

    The study found that 59% of employers have made changes to their mobility offerings in the past three years. Key updates included introducing company bike leasing (77%), electrifying vehicle fleets (72%), expanding remote work options (62%), and offering the Germany Ticket (52%).

    The full pre-report, which includes data from Germany and Switzerland, is now available. The comprehensive findings of the study, Reimagining Workplace Mobility, will be published in Spring 2025, following an in-depth analysis of employer practices over several months.

  5. Barcelona launches electric motorcycle sharing service

    Comments Off on Barcelona launches electric motorcycle sharing service

    Source: Servei Da Premsa

    The Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) has recently introduced a new service across eight municipalities, with the aim to deploy up to 10,000 motorcycles by the end of the year.

    This initiative is believed to be the largest shared electric motorcycle service in Europe, moving the region closer to sustainable urban mobility. The initial rollout will cover Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Esplugues de Llobregat, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Sant Just Desvern, Badalona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, and Sant Adrià de Besòs. Spearheaded by AMB President Jaume Collboni and Mobility Vice President Carlos Cordón, its launch emphasizes the e-motorcycle sharing service’s potential to reduce emissions, enhance air quality, and promote intermodal commuting.

    “Today we are launching the shared electric bike. Let’s take a giant step. It is the largest regulation in Europe. It is a more sustainable option for citizens to be able to choose their best mobility option,” said Cordón. He also believed that it will “promote intermodality and change of habits”.

    How the sharing service will operate

    The AMB awarded licenses to five companies through a public tender process, which will oversee the management of 9,950 electric motorcycles in designated zones. Participating companies include Hori Rides, Yego Urban Mobility, Cooltra Motosharing, Go Sharing, and Acciona Mobility, with each allocated between 1,950 and 2,050 motorcycles. These companies are expected to complete their deployments within 40 days of the announcement.

    To ensure balanced accessibility, the AMB has outlined mandatory service areas, restricted parking zones, and prohibited areas, in line with local regulations. Each company operates independently with its own app and pricing model, though AMB has made the motorcycle locations visible on its Mobility and SMOU applications. All motorcycles and helmets are labeled with an AMB logo for identification, though each company maintains its distinct branding.

    Road safety compliance

    The service also comes with a framework of oversight. The AMB has established a technical committee to collaborate with municipalities and operators, ensuring compliance with safety and road regulations. All operators have agreed to adhere to AMB’s code of road safety practices. The AMB has implemented a penalty system for violations, detailing the levels of infractions and stipulating license revocation procedures if necessary.

    Licensing

    This initiative, crafted with input from over 60 organizations, including the Catalan Competition Authority and the National Commission of Markets and Competition, introduces metropolitan licenses with a two-year validity. Licensees pay an annual fee of €45 for AMB management and additional fees to municipalities for public space use, ensuring financial support for sustainable urban development.

    Barcelona shifting further toward sustainable mobility

    The metropolitan electric motorcycle service represents a strategic shift towards green mobility in Barcelona’s urban landscape, prioritizing sustainable options and aiming to foster a cleaner, healthier metropolitan region.

  6. Tour De Force callout for bicycle promotion ideas

    Comments Off on Tour De Force callout for bicycle promotion ideas

    Source: Nieuws Fietsberaad

    The Dutch government is looking for practical solutions that its municipalities can implement to encourage more usage of bicycles as a sustainable transportation mode

    Tour de Force is a governmental organisation that aims to make the Netherlands more bicycle friendly, and is looking to increase the number of kilometers travelled by bicycle in the Netherlands by 20% over the next ten years.

    It is currently putting together an extensive list of bicycle encouragement schemes that are “on the shelf” and can be easily implemented or purchased, and is inviting the public to contribute to this list.

    Tour de Force wants the schemes to focus on different target groups, with insight into their effectiveness. It has listed the following examples:

    • Reward campaigns: Stimulate bike use with virtual or tangible rewards.
    • Cycling lessons: Helping new cyclists get started with practical instructions.
    • E-bike trial campaigns: Let people experience for themselves the experience of riding an e-bike.
    • Balance bike campaigns: Encourage children to learn to cycle in a fun way.
    • Fat tire race: Organise exciting races for the younger generation.
    • Bicycle bag challenge: Challenge shoppers to use a bicycle for doing their shopping.
    • Bicycle swarm: Create a social cycling group for extra motivation.

    Tour de Force is inviting ideas to be sent to info@tourdeforce.nl.

  7. LEVA-EU to participate in XD Ademe mobility event

    Comments Off on LEVA-EU to participate in XD Ademe mobility event

    XD Ademe, the French Agency for Ecological Transition, to hold its 3rd Intermediate Vehicle Fair in Laval, France

    This event, which will run from 10-12 December, unites manufacturers, assembled teams, industrialists, representatives of France’s territories, research teams, laboratories, schools and public authorities to collaborate and innovate on the future of mobility.

    LEVA-EU will be attending on 11-12 December, with general manager Annick Roetynck participating in the European session about regulations from 3.30-5.30pm on 11th December, as well as the session from 9-11am on 12th December.

    More information about the event can be found here.

  8. Join LEVA-EU now for Membership ’til end 2025

    Comments Off on Join LEVA-EU now for Membership ’til end 2025

    LEVA-EU Membership is usually valid for one year from the date that you confirm your affiliation. However, the LEVA-EU board has decided to apply 1 November as a cut-off date for next year’s membership. If you join between 1 November and 31 December 2024, your membership will run until 31 December 2025.

    Read up on why you should become a member of LEVA-EU here. You will find full details on what we do under “What We Do” in the top menu of the homepage.

    To apply for membership, simply complete and send the online form here or contact LEVA-EU Manager Annick Roetynck for more details or an introductory meeting: annick@leva-eu.com

    We hope we will have the pleasure of welcoming you as a LEVA-EU Member soon!

    The LEVA-EU Team,
    Annick, Bram, Eddie, Dennis, Willow and Bruno

    Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash

  9. Intermobility Future Ways Forum: Exploring sustainable urban mobility plans and shared mobility solutions

    Comments Off on Intermobility Future Ways Forum: Exploring sustainable urban mobility plans and shared mobility solutions

    Source: European Commission

    From 19-21 November 2024 The Intermobility Future Ways Forum will take place at the Rimini Expo Centre in Rimini, Italy.

    The forum is organised in partnership with the Foundation for Sustainable Development, the National Observatory of Sharing Mobility, and Euromobility. It aims to assess the current landscape, trends, and key drivers of sustainable and shared mobility. Discussions will centre on innovations spurred by the green and digital economy, which are driving the need for new organizational models and redefining transport services, modes, and systems.

    The program includes diverse sessions focused on advancing Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP), with notable sessions on Tuesday, November 19, including:

    • New Objectives for Cities (SUMPs 2.0): Addressing enhanced SUMP strategies and setting higher goals for sustainable urban mobility.
    • Strategic Use of Mobility Data: Examining how data can inform and optimise urban mobility strategies.
    • Increasing Demand-Responsive Services: Exploring innovative methods to incorporate ridesharing and other transport services into urban systems.
    • Best Practices and Innovations in Shared Mobility: Showcasing successful shared mobility initiatives.
    • More Shared Mobility, Less Transport Poverty: Investigating how shared mobility can help reduce transport-related poverty.

    Mobility agencies, local and regional administrators, public transit companies, road and highway managers, mobility coordinators, and other stakeholders invested in Italy’s sustainable mobility future are invited to attend. The event will be held in-person, fostering networking and collaboration among participants.

    For further details and registration, visit the event website here.

Campaign success

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Member profile

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.