International
World Micromobility News: Articles of interest to our readers pertaining to the latest news, views and trends overseas.
We cover countries leading the way in micromobility in terms of manufacturing, policy and global influence.
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Hybrid Series Ruling Clears Path For Greater Innovation
Brussels, Belgium A European Commission ruling classifying Series Hybrid e-bikes as bicycles has opened the door for further technological development, according to a peak European body for electric vehicles. The Light Electric Vehicle Association of Europe (LEVA-EU) has been campaigning the commission for nearly five years to have series hybrids (e-bikes without a physical chain)…
Noise Radars to Quieten Heart of Paris
Paris, France Paris authorities are implementing two measures to quieten vehicle noise in the city and curb traffic levels to create a calmer city centre. The city has switched on its first noise radars in recent weeks, setting up an automated system to identify excessively loud vehicles, such as “roaring motorcycles or cars”, and issue…
Ford Trialling Unique Directional Driver Alerts
Aachen, Germany Ford Motor Company is developing onboard speakers and specific sounds to alert drivers to other road users around their vehicle, including cyclists and pedestrians. Ford of Europe is trialling “smart driver alert technology” that uses in-car audio to clearly identify the type of road user and their location. The trial includes intuitive sounds…
$5.2 Million Financing Round for Repairable Battery Maker
Bordeaux, France A French company producing e-bike batteries that can be repaired in less than 10 minutes has raised €3.3 million (A$5.2 million) in a new financing round. The company, Gouach, plans to use the funds to boost its team of 15 people and market its eco-friendly battery to fleet operators and manufacturers in the…
Acton Purchase Offers Cities End-To-End Solutions
Harjumaa, Estonia A fusion of two micromobility companies in the US and Estonia is poised to provide cities with end-to-end mobility ecosystems. Silicon Valley company Acton, which provides hardware and software for micromobility fleets, has announced it is purchasing Duckt, an Estonian start-up producing docking and charging infrastructure. Acton has issued a statement saying the acquisition…
Porsche Acquires Share of Fazua to Further Build e-Bike Involvement
Ottobrunn, Germany Porsche has further expanded its involvement in the rapidly growing e-bike market by acquiring a stake in drive systems manufacturer Fazua. Porsche is acquiring 20% of the shares in its fellow German company, with an option to purchase further shares which would allow Porsche to take over Fazua completely. Fazua, based in Ottobrunn…
Google Integration Helps Plan Neuron Trips
Singapore Neuron Mobility has integrated its e-bikes and e-scooters with Google Maps, to help users easily locate the nearest e-scooter or e-bike. Neuron says the integration – launched in 16 cities last week including nine in Australia – gives users better access to convenient first and last-mile transport options. “This latest integration will help riders…
Equity Partner Take-Over Gives Enviolo Added Drive
Amsterdam, the Netherlands UK private equity partner Inflexion has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Netherlands-based company enviolo, which developed a popular continuously variable transmission hub. Enviolo, which also has operations in Texas, designs and develops transmission systems for high-quality e-bikes, predominantly for the European and North American markets. Enviolo was originally launched in 2007…
London’s Sound Investment for Safer Streets
London, UK Transport for London (TfL) is supporting the city’s e-scooter operators to develop a ‘universal sound’ to help improve safety, particularly for people with impaired vision. Operators Dott, Lime and TIER have announced plans to collaborate and partner with University College London’s (UCL) world-leading research facility PEARL to develop a ‘universal sound’ to identify…
Is Driving the New Smoking?
Paris, France A new French law requiring car advertisements to include messages encouraging people to use other modes of transport has sparked speculation about whether Australia might be ready for a similar move. The French legislation, passed in December, will require all advertising by car manufacturers to include one of three messages: “Consider carpooling”, “For…