Electric Bike Report | Electric Bike, Ebikes, Electric Bicycles, E Bike, Reviews

In this week’s news:

• Bike Lanes for NYC Bridges
• Cannondale’s New Comfort-Oriented Adventure Neo Range
• MAXX Introduces Range Powered by Shimano’s EP8
• Esel’s Wooden eBikes
• Oyo’s Hydraulic Drivetrain
• Pollution Sensing, Indicating and Self-driving eScooters!
• Meet the Lilium eJet
• eCargo Updates from Bristol, UK and the Netherlands
• Utah Gears Up for the Big Gear Show

Headline News

Car Lanes to Become Bike Lanes on Two Major NY Bridges

The New York Times reports that New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio wants to add bike lanes on two of the city’s most iconic bridges, the Brooklyn and Queensboro Bridges ‘to encourage cycling as the city recovers from the pandemic’.

NYT says ‘The new cycling plan for the two East River crossings — called “Bridges for the People” — was unveiled as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s final State of the City speech on Thursday. The bike lanes are the latest victory for cyclists and transportation advocates who have increasingly pushed Mr. de Blasio, a Democrat in his second term, to chip away at the entrenched car culture that has dominated the city’s more than 6,000 miles of streets.’

The current crossing of Brooklyn Bridge by cyclists has long been seen as a notorious obstacle course by cyclists.

Under the new design motor vehicles will be banned from the inner lane of the Manhattan-bound side of the Brooklyn Bridge where a two-way bike lane will be built. The existing promenade area at the center of the bridge, which is elevated above the car lanes, will be used only by pedestrians and cyclists will no longer be able to ride on the promenade, where there is currently a bike lane.

For the Queensboro Bridge it is proposed to convert the northern outer roadway into a two-way bike lane. The southern outer roadway will be reconfigured as a pedestrian walkway.

City Hall hopes to complete the Brooklyn Bridge lane by the end of 2021 and construction on the Queensboro Bridge will begin this year.

This latest announcement may in part have been spurred on by the impressive growth in cycling during the pandemic; for example bike trips at the city’s four East River bridges into Manhattan jumping by 55 percent in November 2020 compared with the same month in 2019.

This article at Gothamist does put these very welcome new lanes into perspective however, stating ‘There are currently 545 miles of protected bike lanes in the city, and 524 miles of conventional painted lanes, while there are 6,300 miles of streets overseen by DOT. The de Blasio administration built 35 miles of regular bike lanes in 2020, and was on track to finish 25 miles of protected lanes, five miles short of their goal.’

New eBikes & eBike Systems

Cannondale Launches Adventure Neo Series

Cannondale’s new Adventure Neo series major on comfort and are also designed let you mix tarmac and easier off-rad tracks. All models have a step-thru alloy frame, Bosch mid-drives plus frame-integrated Bosch Powetube battery.

 

Top of the line is the  Adventure Neo EQ 1 with a Bosch Performance Line motor and 625Wh battery. The plush, comfort spec encompasses a 63mm SR Suntour Mobie A32 front suspension fork and Cane Creek suspension seatpost. It even features a clever radar system designed to detect traffic approaching from behind and let you know.

The lowest spec Neo 4 has a rigid fork, 400Wh battery and Bosch’s Active Line mid-drive.

Prices are from £2500 to £3800.

Five New eBikes from Germany’s MAXX with Top of the Line EP8 Mid-Drives

German brand MAXX just five new e-bikes -the ELS series – all featuring Shimano’s light and very powerful EP8 mid-drive. It has a claimed weight of 2.3kg thanks in part to its magnesium casing and a max torque of 85nm.

The ELS range encompasses city bikes, E-MTBs and fat bikes.

 

The Huraxdax ELS EP8 e-fat bike packs a 726Wh battery and tyre width up to 5″ whilst the FAB 4 ELS is a more conventional looking eMTB.

 

The range is completed by a trekking style e-mtb (the RACEMAXX), a well-equipped hybrid (the CROSSMAXX) and a step-thru city bike (the CROSSMAXX Comfort).

Prices range from €4229 to €6999

Esel Expands Wooden eBike Range

Austrian firm Esel produce wooden bikes and e-bikes. They have announced a new range of e-mtbs the E-MOUNTAIN, available from mid-March using a high powered 90Nm rated Brose mid-drive.

Their frames are made of Ash, waterproofed and feature cavities for internal cable routing.

FLIT-16 First Batch Sold Out

We’ve reported on the FLIT-16 folding e-bike from the UK before. EBR has been cautious about e-bike crowdfunding projects in previous posts but FLIT has some through with flying colours with their first batch all cold out –  as they say ‘You may have noticed that we’ve been quite quiet over the past couple of months – we’ve been busy quality checking, test riding and sending out FLIT-16s to customers around the world! adding ‘If you missed out on our first batch of ebikes, don’t fear – we’re currently building our next batch. If you’d like us to let you know when new stock is available, sign up here.

They have also made this video about the whole process:

New eBike Tech

Oyo Wants to Replace Chain Drives with Hydraulics

New Atlas reports on this interesting new drivetrain development form Oyo – the conventional chain is replaced with hydraulic fluid. As New Atlas says ‘Putting it simply, the system incorporates a closed-loop in which the rider’s pedalling power is used to pump hydraulic fluid through tubing into a hydraulic “motor” in the back, that rotates the rear wheel. The fluid then flows back up to the pedal-pump in front.’

It’s not an entirely new idea as such drives are an emerging technology on wind turbines but this appears to be the first time it has featured on an e-bike. The bike also features stepless gearing.

As the article points out ‘hydraulic drivetrains do have some drawbacks. For one thing, they tend to be heavier than conventional systems, plus they’re typically less efficient at converting pedalling energy into forward motion, and they may end up leaking.’

Oyo’s Indiegogo campaign has early bird offers for US$1,849 with a planned retail price of $3,599.

Cycling Accessories

Micromobilitybiz report on Bern’s ‘safest yet helmets, rated for use up to 27mph, the Hudson.

The helmet is available exclusively with MIPS safety system (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, designed to protect against rotational trauma), has an integrated LED light, removable visor and is compatible with Bern’s cold weather bike beanies. Bern claims it has class leading safety test results.

Retail price is US$119.

Micromobility & Share Rentals

eScooter Tech Keeps Advancing

eScooter tech seems to be coming on leaps and bounds in capability and sophistication.

MMB says Voi ‘has unveiled the Voiager 4 (V4), an e-scooter that can measure air quality as it travels through urban areas. The V4 has been designed to contribute to lowering traffic congestion and fuels, as well as helping cities to collect data on the improvements. It will be introduced to select UK markets this spring, with broader rollout later in 2021. The latest e-scooter model also offers new safety features, including audible alarms and indicators, designed to increase the visibility of e-scooters to pedestrians and to vulnerable road users, including those with vision impairments. The V4 is also designed to integrate better with public transport systems and now features the ability to be unlocked via contactless NFC (Near Field Communication) technology with the tap of a smartphone, smartwatch, or transport card. This means that it could be used in conjunction with an Oyster card.’

They also report that Spin’s ‘Valet platform makes it possible to remotely operate Spin’s fleet and automatically repark scooters out of the pathway of pedestrians and other pavement or street traffic within seconds. Spin Valet combines Tortoise’s software with the front and rear-facing built-in cameras on the S-200. This technology will eventually make it possible for a rider to ‘hail’ an e-scooter to a desired pick up location. The first S-200 fleet will be piloted in Boise, Idaho this spring. The city will receive up to 300 S-200 e-scooters. This is the first time the technology will be launched with a robust, more stable three-wheeled e-scooter, which can better withstand different road conditions due to its enhanced suspension. S-200 will offer a safer ride with three independent braking systems (regenerative rear brake, front and rear drum brakes) and turn signals (on handlebars and near the rear wheel).’

eTech

We’re never afraid at EBR to feature groundbreaking electric tech even if not directly related to e-bikes. So were interested in the recent news that ‘Ferrovial, a global leading infrastructure operator, and Lilium, the aviation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet aircraft, have signed a framework agreement to develop a network of at least ten vertiports.  The zero-carbon infrastructure and services will cover strategic locations in all major cities across Florida. This partnership seeks to provide an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative transport network connecting locations across Florida.’

If you’re wondering what this might mean in practice check out the video below on this interesting looking ‘electric jet’:

eCargo Corner

eCargo Logistics Developments

With e-cargo bikes often touted as the ultimate ‘last mile’ delivery solution it’s clear that it is not about the bikes themselves – it’s about a whole logistics setup that allows them to operate efficiently as part of a bigger system. A couple of news stories demonstrate how this relatively new industry is starting to organise itself.

The UK’s Motor Transport reports that ‘Zero-emission operator Zedify has been awarded a £100,000 grant as part of Bristol City Council’s strategy to ensure 95% of deliveries within its central area are made by electric vehicles within 10 years…..The grant will help support a new Zedify micro-consolidation hub that will be centrally located and allow HGVs and diesel vans bringing goods into Bristol to drop off their goods without entering the city centre.’

Simply put, freight consolidation means organising deliveries so that the minimum number of vehicles are used to make the maximum number of deliveries – in this case the vehicles are Zedify’s fleet of bikes, trikes, microvans and vans.

Elsewhere in the eCargo world Paztir are described by Cycling Industry News as a ‘Dutch business (that) has developed software to be integrated into partner derived hardware that will offer a wide range of benefits to cargo bike owners, in particular those managing a fleet. The Internet of Things (IoT) development works to deliver bike security, access management, efficiency in parking and delivery, incident recording, route-planning, route-tracing, and plenty more.’

Infrastructure

LCC Campaign to Keep Important Cycle Lane

London Cycling Campaign have made the following video to highlight the importance of the keeping cycle lane along Kensington High Street in London that was introduced during the pandemic. Initially the local authority planned to take out the lane but following campaigning pressure have promised to revisit the decision on 17th March, though no one knows which way the decision might go. You can personally contact the councillors concerned to voice your support for keeping the lane here.

eBike Biz

People for Bikes Presenting Sponsor of The Big Gear Show

Bikebiz reports that PeopleForBikes has joined The Big Gear Show as presenting sponsor.

The Big Gear show describes itself as ‘is an invitation-only, multi-category trade event for the paddlesports, cycling, climbing, and camping markets. We are solely focused on meeting the needs of outdoor shops and gear builders. The demo is fully integrated into the event, so buyers get to paddle, ride bikes, and test gear all day.’

Rad Power Investment

Cycling Industry News again on a huge investment for Rad Power e-bikes; ‘Rad Power Bikes, which lays claim to being North America’s largest e-Bike only brand, has attracted $150 million in investment from institutions such as Counterpoint Global (Morgan Stanley), the Fidelity Management and Research Company and The Rise Fund, among others.’

Riese & Muller Expanding Production Site

Premium e-bike manufacturer Riese & Muller have been in touch to tell us about forthcoming expansion plans:

‘Riese & Müller, the premium manufacturer of E-Bikes and Cargo Bikes, continues to expand and is extending its campus in Mühltal near Darmstadt to include a new building for a number of different departments, from new production units to administrative offices. The building will be built on the eastern part of the company’s land and will provide space for two new production units, the Development and Service department as well as additional offices. The company will also be hiring more than 60 new employees for its E-Bike production by April 2021. The construction work for the new premises will begin in May 2021 and is set to be completed in July 2022. ‘

Stay tuned for more e-bike news and reviews and thanks for reading!

-Rich

In this Week’s News:

• Juiced Scorpion Blurs the Line between Bike and eBike
• New Peugeot City Crossover Model
• 50 Cycles Brose-powered 2021 Range
• LEAOS Rocket Powers into the Urban Lightweight Category
• New Stylish Bike Bags from Chrome
• Portland’s Biketown eBike Share Steps up a Gear
• Successful Snow Cycling in Finland
• Vintage eBikes from the UK
• Idaho Stop Coming to New York State?
• All the Latest eBike Biz

New eBikes & eBike Systems

Juiced Scorpion – Bicycle, Moped or eBike?

The Juiced Scorpion was launched at the end of last year and though it looks like a moped-cum-motorcycle it is, legally speaking, a US class 2 and 3 e-bike with throttle assist to 20mph and pedelec style assist to 28mph. It is even marketed under the slogan  Where Moped Meets eBike.

The Juiced HyperScorpion, on the other hand, on the surface looks like pretty much the same bike but the motor rating and top speed make the crucial difference. This point was picked up in this recent interesting Forbes article where the author notes ‘Everyone who sees the Hyper Scorpion asks the same question: “Is… that an electric motorcycle…?” Well, yes, sort of, but it also has pedals and a rear derailleur, like a bicycle. However, the form factor of the Hyper Scorpion is definitely much more akin to recent market entries like the Super 73 ebikes, which have more of a scooter/moped stance, but are also still pedalable ebikes. But as you’ll see, the Hyper Scorpion isn’t just one or the other, it’s really both.’

It does beg the question if current technology allows manufacturers to make e-bikes that double as mopeds should the law be flexible enough to allow an electric moped – bought and run legally as such – to become and electric bike at the flick of a switch? I’m not talking about ultrafast e-bikes here or indeed full speed motorbikes being allowed on bike paths, more low speed mopeds – the Netherlands after all does allow some classes of low speed (petrol or electric) mopeds to travel in some cycle lanes whilst higher speed ‘speed pedelec’ e-bikes and higher speed mopeds are not allowed there.

Peugeot Expands eBike Range with EC01 Crossover

Peugeot launched six crossover style e-bikes last year, crossover being e-bikes that can handle on road and moderate off-road conditions. Their range also incorporates electric road, folding and mountain bike models.

Now comes another crossover model, the EC01 Crossover. It features Bosch Performance CX mid-drive motor,  500Wh Bosch Powertube battery concealed in the frame, 10-speed Shimano Deore derailleur gears and Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc brakes. It’s well-equipped with ‘extras’ too –  front and rear lights, mudguards and  rear rack come as standard. European price is €3,199.

UK’s 50 Cycles Launch New Range

The UK’s 50 Cycles have launched a new range of four own-brand e-bikes and a foldable e-scooter. The bikes range from £2595 to £3995 and all use various models of mid-drive motor from the very well-respected Brose. Video reviews below:

Battle of the Slick Urban Singlespeeds Just Hotted Up Further – Meet the LEAOS Rocket

There are already a plethora of smoothly-designed urban e-bikes that try to hide the fact they are e-bikes – think of models from Van Moof, Cowboy, MODMO, Schindelhauer and COBOC for a start and you see this is something of a continental European trend with the emphasis on design minimalism and light weight.

LEAOS’s Rocket is the latest to enter the fray it offers a small 40Nm rear hub, fully integrated top tube, removable 360 Wh battery, the option of a single speed Gates Belt Drive or eight derailleur gears and hydraulic disk brakes (note some of the aforementioned competitors do not have removable batteries or more than one gear). Options include gravel bike style handlebars and GPS tracking unit. Quoted weight is from16.5 kg , price from €3250 and delivery is touted for February 2021.

Bafang eMTB Update

Recently we looked at how Rob Rides EMTB built up a relatively cheap e-mtb himself using a carbon fibre frame ordered direct from China and a Bafang M500 mid-drive. He’s followed up with a ride test that gave an honest opinion on the highs and lows of the bike.

Accessories

Chrome are known for their high quality apparel and bags.

Infrastructure

Boost for eBike-Only Sharing Program in Portland

We have reported on Portland Oregon’s 1500 strong e-bike only sharing program before but now comes more good news on how it will be run and maintained.

TTI reports that ‘Public transit operator First Transit has entered an agreement with ride-hailing firm Lyft to provide operations for Biketown – the USA’s first all-electric bike share system. The 1,500 bike share system has roughly 140 stations covering 30 square miles. Operations that will be taken on by First Transit include battery monitoring, deployment, retrieval, and general rebalancing of bike inventory.’

Snow on Cycle Lanes

You might think that heavy snow covering cycle lanes scotches most cyclists riding plans. The city of Oulu in Finland clearly has other ideas as you can see in this excellent video from Amsterdam-based Not Just Bikes. Cold is not the issue, snow is not the issue according to Not Just Bikes – yes you guessed it, you just need a proper cycle lane network that is properly looked after by very regular ploughing in winter…

1000km New Infrastructure By 2025 Says Irish Government

Irish Cycle reports that ‘A promise to support up to 248 new jobs focused on walking and cycling infrastructure and promotion was announced by the Department of Transport.’ The article adds ‘…it is expected that up to 218 staff could ultimately be assigned to the new active travel teams across all local authorities with a further 30 additional staff available through the Regional Design Offices.’

However, the article also notes some resistance to the idea of Dutch-style infrastructure, saying ‘The National Transport Authority in Ireland has started a review of the National Cycle Manual, but this comes after long delays in that process and the original drafting of the manual also subject to delay. National Transport Authority has also been reluctant to accept Dutch designs for infrastructure elements such as protected junctions and bicycle priority roundabouts.’

Battery Watch

The UK’s eBiketips has detailed claims from Israeli company StoreDot that it ‘has produced an “extreme fast-charging” battery for electric cars after first demonstrating its technology in electric scooters and phones.

As ever with stories of revolutionary new battery technology EBR sounds a note of caution – reading the detail of the company’s background in car battery research, a piece in the Guardian makes it clear StoreDot’s targets for widespread rollout are still some way down the line; ‘The batteries can be fully charged in five minutes but this would require much higher-powered chargers than used today. Using available charging infrastructure, StoreDot is aiming to deliver 100 miles of charge to a car battery in five minutes in 2025. ‘

eBiketips says ‘StoreDot’s battery replaces the graphite used at the electrode in current lithium-ion batteries with semiconductor nanoparticles into which ions can pass more quickly and easily. These nanoparticles are currently based on germanium, but a second-generation, silicon-dominant prototype battery is due to be unveiled later this year.’

The first acid test of the technology will be StoreDot’s commercial release of a scooter battery due out later in 2021. EBR will keep you posted!

eBike History

UK ebike TV Clip Emerges

If you think e-bikes are a pretty modern invention think again. This 1985 clip tweeted by Vala Afshar shows the idea was touted as the very latest thing back then – in fact e-bikes had been around in the years prior to that. They idea no doubt underwent a minor resurgence in the UK 1985 when Clive Sinclair launched his infamous C5 and the UK law was changed to allow small electric powered vehicles on the road.

1985: Will these new electric bicycles ever catch on? pic.twitter.com/TOEwcN0MPY

— Vala Afshar (@ValaAfshar) January 24, 2021

eBike Law

Will the Idaho Start (or is it Stop…) Get Through New York’s Senate?

Streetsblog reports ‘An upstate State Senator has introduced a bill that would allow cyclists to slow-roll through stop signs and go through red lights after a quick full stop — a safety solution to the problem of cyclists losing forward momentum even if the coast is clear.’

The so-called “Idaho stop” earned its name because Idaho was the first to pass a rule allowing cyclists to keep going and stay ahead of car traffic.

“I have biked to work for years, and I’m always interested in making it safer and more sensible,” said Sen. Rachel May (D-Syracuse), the chief sponsor of the bill, S920.

The article adds ‘Advocates for cyclists and for cycling have long supported the Idaho stop, which is legal in one form or another in five states and several Colorado counties. Arkansas legalized it in 2019. Washington State’s version went into effect late last year.

<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/4140910″>Bicycles, Rolling Stops, and the Idaho Stop</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/boomhower”>Spencer Boomhower</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>

Call for EU Driving Licence to Exclude All 30kmh Vehicles

The European Union is currently reviewing the effectiveness of its driving licence legislation. LEVA-EU is lobbying during the process for any vehicles with a maximum motor speed of 30 km/h (around 19mph) to be exempt from driving licence requirements.

‘The maximum speed limit in current type-approval and driving licence legislation of 25 km/h should be increased to 30 km/h. This limit has become widely introduced in urban areas. An alignment of the speed limit for the vehicles is necessary to allow them to go safely with the traffic flow’ says LEVA-EU.

e-Bike Biz

Trek Making Move on Mike Olson’s Bike Shops?

Bicycle Retailer and Industry Reports that ‘Several industry sources have confirmed that Trek has agreed to buy at least a dozen of Mike Olson’s bike shops, including the six Trek Bicycle Superstore locations in the San Diego area and in Albuquerque, New Mexico, one Nytro Multisport store in Encinitas, California, and the six-store Bike Gallery chain in the Portland area. Olson is believed to be Trek’s largest retailer and one of the largest bike retailers in the country.’

 

In this week’s news:

• Bianchi’s New Sophisticated e-Omnia Range
• Lightweight Launches from Germany’s Möve and Spain’s BH
• Smart Bluetooth Tech Moves
• Skid Detection and Smart Parking for eScooters Plus the UK Debate Hots Up
• All the Latest eBike Biz News

New eBikes & eBike Systems

Bianchi e-Omnia – One Name, three Families and Some Eyecatching Prices

Once known primarily as an Italian brand with a long road racing heritage in recent years Bianchi has moved rapidly into e-bikes. They have now announced e-Omnia, the generic name for their three new lines of e-bike:

 

The C-Type is Bianchi’s take on the electric city bike with prices starting at €3320. There is a choice of 500 or 625Wh batteries. Choose from Shimano’s 1×10 Deore derailleur or their 5-speed hub gears and a host of carrying options.

T- or FT-Type (F meaning full suspension): Blends high quality Suntour and Rocckshox suspension and Shimano hydraulic disk brakes with the option of ABS anti-lock braking. Battery options are 500, 625 Wh or dual battery. From €3370.

X- or FX Type: mountain (FX-Type of course being full-sus). Again ABS braking is an option. There are also Shimano four-piston disc brakes with 203mm discs, 12-speed Shimano Deore or Sram Eagle gearing, Rock Shox or Fox suspension front (160mm) and rear, depending on the model. Battery options are 500, 625 Wh or dual battery. From €3450.

All models use Bosch’s Performance Line CX mid-drive , capable of delivering a maximum torque of 85 Nm, and assistance up to 340% augmentation of pedal effort. The display, integrated into the handlebar, is the Bosch Purion. All models also integrate high visibility lights (40 lux) front and rear which Bianchi claim allow you to see a hundred meters away, and to be seen at 500m.

Bianchi say that because of the plethora of colors, technical features and fittings and other options it’s possible to create over 8,500 possible combinations. The configurator can be found at bianchi.com/e-omnia

Lightweight eBike Launches

Möve’s E-Fly Airy’s stats speak for themselves; 15 kilograms total weight, 250Wh frame-integrated battery and a Range Extender option that can add an extra 208Wh. It uses Mahle’s ebikemotion X35 rear hub motor system rated at 250 watts continuous power and 40 Nm of torque.

Other features include a low maintenance Gates carbon belt drive, hydraulic disc brakes, integrated, high power Supernova LED lighting and a single control button in the top tube with the option of an Apple/android app that can be used to alter power levels or access a Google Maps based navigation system. An SP-Connect smartphone holder makes the latter option easy.

For the security-minded there is a GPS tracker, integrated motion-based alarm and frame lock (the latter can be electrically locked via the app). There are even fold out mirrors in the end of the handlebars.

There are plenty of alternative / upgrade options such as step-thru frame, Pinion bottom bracket gearing, Shimano chain and derailleur gear options and various suspension forks.

Prices start at €3700.

Moving from the city to the trail, Spanish firm BH bikes have launched an e-mtb with a headline-grabbing weight of 16.8kg. Their iLynx Race Carbon naturally has a a carbon frame but also sports their very own design of mid-drive the 2ESMAG with a claimed weight of 2.2kg – as also used in their lightweight Core Carbon e-road bike. The in-frame battery is 540Wh and there is also the option to add a range-extender bottle battery of some 180Wh.

A particularly nice touch is the FIT (Fast Intervention Tool), invisibly concealed in the steerer tube meaning you never forget your range of Allen wrenches, Torx T25, chain tool, chain lock and CO2 inflator. 

Unfortunately BH pulled out of selling e-bikes in the US in 2020 but the bikes are available in Europe. The iLynx carbon covers four different versions from €5,999 to €8,999. 

eBike Tech

eBikes to Talk to Cars?

The Washington Post reports that ‘a consortium of bike and scooter manufacturers (are) coming together to develop and test new safety software that would allow forms of micromobility to communicate with nearby cars. Detroit-based Tome Software spearheaded the initiative in collaboration with companies such as Ford, Trek Bicycle and Bosch.’

The article adds ‘At the core of the effort is a software standard that would allow a wide range of vehicle services to exchange information in real time so that drivers in big cities and congested areas are more aware of riders out of their line of sight. It could also trigger visible alerts on bicycles when cars get too close.’

To give one example of how the Bluetooth 5 based tech might work, Trek say they are adding sensors to detachable taillights that could trigger an “interruptive” flashing light pattern meant to alert motorists. The company says the light is visible at all times of the day and claims studies show that it could decrease bike-related accidents by 33 percent.

eMicromobility

New eScooter Tech

Slashgear reports that ‘Bird revealed that it has rolled out a Skid Detection system to keep an eye on when its scooters experience an unusual skidding situation. There are multiple potential causes behind this, including tires that need to be replaced or too much braking force. Another possibility? ‘Hazardous riding behavior,’ according to the company.’

Meanwhile Cities Today reveals that ‘E-scooter firm TIER has partnered with mapping provider Fantasmo to create what it claims is the world’s most accurate e-scooter parking system. Starting in Paris and York, TIER will implement Fantasmo’s “Camera Positioning System” (CPS), a new positioning technology that is ten times more accurate than GPS and can validate e-scooter parking within 50 centimetres or less using a camera phone. TIER says the new feature will all but eliminate irresponsible parking, an issue which has plagued city authorities globally since e-scooters were first rolled out on streets.’

eScooters for Indianola?

Meanwhile the Des Moines Register reports that ‘Electric scooters could one day hit the streets of Indianola. Indianola City Council members discussed that possibility at their Tuesday night meeting and gave city officials approval to study their usage and whether the city would like to allow private scooter companies to operate in town. Bird, a California-based scooter company, reached out to the city in late 2020 and said the size of Indianola and the presence of Simpson College makes it an ideal city for its scooters.’

UK e-Scooter Debate Hots Up

With licenced e-scooter trials only allowed in the UK there is clearly growing pressure from both retailers and users for full legalisation of individual use of personal e-scooters sooner rather than later. With ‘mainstream’ media reports starting to catalogue isolated incidents of misuse and create a vision of chaos (when in reality thousands of e-scooters are in daily use around the world without incident) it seems those who want to see e-scooters in the UK legalised think the time to act is now, normalising their use with the introduction of clear laws, before too distorted and negative picture is painted.

A string of contrasting stories at ebiketips sums up the overreactions perfectly; firstly a senior Metropolitan policeman appears to have politicised the issue by ‘suggesting that anyone who received an e-scooter as a Christmas gift should return it’ whilst a subsequent story described how another senior police officer in the West Country described the rollout of e-scooter hire there as a “policing non-event” adding that he now saw himself “the biggest convert out of everybody”.

To their credit the UK government has put online a list of detailed technical requirements aimed at making the trials successful but the critical question of if, when and how e-scooters may be legalised remains opaque, with the same website stating:

‘The intention is then for trials to run for 12 months, with the trial period beginning in each area as and when e-scooters become available to the public. The option for trials to continue beyond this 12-month period will be built into the legal mechanism, but any extension would be subject to local/national government agreement.’

With London trials due only to begin this spring the prospect of private users having to wait many more months before the government even begins to look at the question must seem incredibly frustrating, especially as the introduction of the trials themselves was fast-tracked to provide a means of healthy safe transport at the start of the Covid pandemic. The irony of the seemingly needlessly-extended nature of the process taking place when the UK has just recorded its highest tally of daily Covid-related deaths seems particularly poignant.

Just how valuable a role e-scooters can play in helping people get about safely and enjoy themselves at the same time – and the absurdity of the current situation of countless Londoners using them, illegally but largely without problems, on a daily basis – is summed up by this great video by our friends over at electroheads:

eBike Biz

European eBike Sales to Overtake Car Sales?

Leva-EU reports that ‘in 2019, Taiwan has taken the lead in the export of electric bicycles 25 km/h to the EU. Exports increased by 80% to almost 390,000. This was of course due to the imposition of anti-dumping duties on Chinese e-bikes. This forced companies assembling in China to move their operations. Some of them crossed the Formosa Strait to set up shop in Taiwan.’

Though dwarfed by the scale of Taiwanese imports, there were notable increases in e-bike imports from Indonesia and Turkey into the EU in 2019 with both countries registering increases in terms of units imported of several hundred percent.

Stay tuned for more e-bike news and reviews and thanks for reading!

-Rich