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Offers and Giveaways Micromobility America is right around the corner. You can get your tickets to the show here: https://micromobility.io/events/micromobility-america Enter for your chance to win a new Lectric Lite at RideReview.com https://ridereview.com/giveaway/win-a-lectric-lite-with-commuter-bundle Summary James Gross talked with Ain McKendrick the Founder and CEO of Faction about how the future of delivery is evolving with Faction, offering new opportunities and advancements in the industry. Faction provides driverless delivery vehicles for last mile logistics by combining autonomous technology with remote human assistance. In the conversation, Ain discusses Faction's focus on short 3-5 mile repetitive delivery routes for commercial users like bakeries and retailers. He explains how Faction works with light electric vehicle OEMs to incorporate their driverless tech on the production line. McKendrick notes they have operated legally in states with supportive regulations like Nevada, Arizona, Texas. Faction recently raised an extension funding round from TDK Ventures to help scale their delivery fleets in 2024, with plans to partner with national retailers and food brands. Faction won Micromobility America's Riders Choice Award in 2023 for autonomy and robotics. Highlights 🚚 Faction provides driverless delivery vehicles combining autonomy and remote human assistance 📦 Focus on short 3-5 mile repetitive last mile logistics routes for commercial users 🤝 Works with light electric vehicle OEMs to incorporate driverless tech 🚦 Has operated legally in states with supportive regulations 💰 Raised extension round from TDK Ventures to scale fleets in 2024 🤝 Looking to partner with national retailers and food brands 🏆 Won Micromobility America's Riders Choice Award in 2023

Win a Tenways CGO 600 Pro ($1,900 value)! Called "The Lightweight Champion" of electric bikes, the Tenways CGO600 Pro doesn't disappoint. https://ridereview.com/giveaway/tenways-ggo-600-pro-usd1-900-value Chapters: 00:00- 9:55 Announcements and Giveaways 9:56 - 19:17Travel Patterns Are Changing19:18 - 21:52 Electric Share is the only Share 21:53 - 24:51The Dreaded Car Pickup Line 24:52 - 32:00 Vehicle Launches 32:00 - 47:34 Meet Sartee Bikes CEO Notes - 🎙️ Hosts: James Gross and Julia Thayne discuss their experiences at the recent Climate Week in New York, shedding light on the intersection of climate change, technology, finance, and micromobility. - 🌱 NYC Climate Week Insights: Despite missing key policymakers, the event was characterized by enthusiasm and a high level of participation. Julia highlighted a notable shift in focus towards tech and finance as vital components in climate transition, emphasizing their increasing role and presence in discussions and initiatives. - 🚲 Micromobility Underrepresentation: Julia noted a lack of representation and underestimation of micromobility solutions in climate discussions, suggesting a need for better quantification and communication of the impact of micromobility on climate change. - 📈 Shift in Travel Patterns: Studies from The Brookings Institute and Bloomberg showed a shift in Americans' travel patterns, with a significant increase in bike trips and a growing interest in electric bikes, underscoring the necessity for cities to adapt transportation options to people's evolving needs. - 🚴 Bike Buses for Schools: Highlighting the current inefficient and wasteful car-centric school commute patterns, James discusses the emergence of "bike buses" as a potential solution to mitigate congestion and promote sustainability. Additional Information - E-Bike Popularity in Bike Shares: The rising preference for electric bikes in bike share programs in various cities was discussed, with speculation on how this preference could influence the cost and operational strategies of these programs. Launch Highlights 🛵 Honda's Moto Compacto: Honda has revived its iconic 80s Moto Comao as an all-electric vehicle. This vehicle is designed for easy storage and is targeted at urban environments. Test rides are being held until November, reflecting some concerns from Honda about the vehicle's reception. 🚲 Mini’s Angel Mobility E-Bike: Mini has released a sleek e-bike limited to 1959 units, marking the year Mini was founded. It reflects Mini’s entry into the micromobility space and seems to be a test to gauge market interest. 🚨 Product Recall: TreK Alant+ 7 faces a recall due to a serious brake issue. This recall highlights some challenges traditional bike makers face in the e-bike market. Bo's Scooter Headed for Production: Bo has announced the production and delivery timeline for its highly anticipated scooters. The first units are expected early next year, with deliveries commencing in early 2024. 🌟 Celebrity Influence: Ryan Reynolds' endorsement of the Arc electric motorcycle has boosted interest in electric bikes. Interview with Sartee Electric Bikes Founder and CEO, Jared Sartee 🚴 Sartee Bikes' Front-loading Cargo Bikes: Jared Sartee discussed the advantages of front-loading cargo bikes and their potential to replace car trips.The focus is on modularity, repairability, and providing a fun ride. Manufacturing is done in Canada, aligning with the company’s principles of customer connection and adaptability. 🤔 Consumer Perceptions: The episode delves into the consumer perceptions surrounding front-loading and back-loading cargo bikes. It emphasizes the need for more hands-on experiences for consumers to understand the benefits and feel comfortable with new formats of micro-mobility vehicles.

Laura Kavanagh was appointed Fire Commissioner by Mayor Eric Adams in October 2022. As Fire Commissioner, Kavanagh oversees the day-to-day operations of the largest fire department in the country, with more than 17,000 employees and a $2 billion budget. We're excited to have Laura Kavanagh on the show today to talk specifically about battery fires, where according to the FDNY, batteries have led to 180 fires (now 187) and tragically 14 people have died so far this year in NYC. SummaryCommissioner Laura Kavanagh of the NYC Fire Department discusses her rise through the ranks and her leadership in handling various emergencies. The focus of the conversation centers on the rising incidence of battery fires in the city, attributed to small electric vehicles like e-bikes, used predominantly by delivery workers. There is concern about the modifications and underground markets around these devices, emphasizing the need for regulation, inspection, and collaboration with other departments and agencies to address the immediate and future challenges presented by these battery fires.Highlights  Laura Kavanagh, the 34th commissioner of the NYC Fire Department, has held various roles and oversaw the department’s response to several emergencies, including the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola outbreak in 2015.  The FDNY reports a substantial rise in battery fires, recording 220 in 2022, up from 30 in 2019, and has noted the prevalence of these fires in small electric vehicles like e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds.  Much attention is given to delivery workers as they are heavily reliant on these devices, which are often modified or altered to enhance performance or extend battery life, contributing to the risks and frequency of fires.  Numerous issues arise from modifications, DIY conversion kits, and unregulated devices entering the market, creating unsafe conditions and usage that go beyond the original intended design of these electric vehicles.  The challenge of inspecting and regulating these devices is intensified by the prevalence of underground markets and the inability to inspect private apartments where unsafe charging and alterations often occur.  The FDNY is collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies to examine and address the public safety impacts, with considerations on future innovations, recycling, and regulations on electrification.  While government agencies are receptive and showing progress, Kavanagh emphasizes the urgency in expediting regulations and legislative actions to address the growing and immediate risks associated with battery fires in small electric vehicles.

CEO of Oonee, Shabazz Stuart, discusses the rise of electric two and three-wheelers and their impact on oil demand. The podcast also explores the popularity of electric bike vouchers in the US and highlights the importance of standardized agreements and infrastructure for micro-mobility.

We’re incredibly excited to introduce the first round of speakers joining us at Micromobility America in the SF Bay Area this October! Manufacturers, operators, brands, policymakers, investors, media—and this is just the start. https://micromobility.io/events/micromobility-america We are giving away some GOFLUO gear. Leave a comment here and head on over to ridereview.com for your chance to win. https://ridereview.com/giveaway/win-a-gofluo-bodyflower-and-bag Chapters: 00:00 - 5:20 Announcements and giveaways 5:21 - 8:59 NYC enforces traffic cameras 9:00 - 14:18 NYC Equitable Commute Project off to slow start 14:19 - 17:18 Lavoie buys Vanmoof 17:19 - 19:52 Kenya shipping electric motorcycles at scale 19:53 - 31:58 Vehicle Launches! 31:59 Interview with Patrick Wirth at Baloise Group NYC has speed cameras cranking Here’s a novel idea for reducing car deaths: enforce traffic laws. One year after introducing its new 24/7 automatic traffic ticketing system, New York City speed violations have reportedly dropped by 30%. Small mode shift leads to big gains A good argument for why motorists should want to see more ebikes on the road: “Studies have shown that a mere 10% shift from car drivers to bike riders has resulted in a 40% reduction in traffic congestion. Even if you never touch an ebike, you would benefit from supporting their increased use.” Lavoie buys Vanmoof Cult ebike brand VanMoof has been bought out of bankruptcy by Lavoie, a company that makes high-end scooters based on McLaren Applied’s Formula 1 technology. VanMoof’s bankruptcy earlier this summer had left its more than 190,000 riders in limbo. NYC Equitable Commute Project can't get off the ground New York City’s ebike trade-in program—designed to help delivery workers swap low-quality, fire-prone bikes for safer, industry-certified models—is off to a rocky start. Since July, only three bikes have been traded in. Experts say the city’s 60,000+ delivery workers aren’t participating due to language barriers, cost of the trade-ins, and a slow and somewhat difficult approval process. Kenya is making the US programs look silly. Kenya has revealed the details of its ambitious new plan to encourage electric motorbikes adoption through a manufacturing partnership with the African startup Spiro. “[President] Ruto said Kenya currently had 1,000 of the new bikes, with another 10,000 on their way, and that Spiro had established a plant with the capacity to assemble 1,000 of the vehicles daily.” Vehicle Launches The new V13 Challenger from Chinese manufacturer InMotion is a thrilling new electric unicycle that reaches a staggering top speed of 87 mph (140 kph), powered by a 4,500W motor with a maximum torque of 300 Nm. Speaking of Specialized, the company just launched the new Globe Haul LT electric cargo bike, a heavy duty hauler equipped with a throttle and a top speed of 28 mph (45 kph). The $3,500 bike has a carrying capacity of 176 lbs (80kg), a 700W hub motor equipped with a torque sensor, and a UL-listed 772 Wh batter with a range of up to 90 miles (96 km). Cannondale’s Cargowagen and Wonderwagen Neo are two newest additions on the electric cargo bike scene. The Cargowagen is a longtail that can haul up to 80kg, while the Wonderwagen has a giant front bay that can carry 100 kg, plus another 27kg on the rear rack. Both models are powered by capable Bosch motors, giving them a top speed of 28 mph (45 kph). Interview with Patrick Wirth Today we have Patrick Wirth on the show. Patrick is the VP of Mobility at Baloise Group. Baloise, is a European insurance company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Founded in 1863, the company offers a range of insurance and pension solutions, as well as investment products. VC. It is very cool to see an insurance company get into VC and take a different approach to not only investing but also the ongoing relationship these companies might have with an insurance company.

We are doing a GOFLUO giveaway, leave a comment here and enter to win at Ride Review: https://ridereview.com/giveaway/win-a-gofluo-bodyflower-and-bag Meet Julie Vets, Founder and CEO of GOLUO, https://gofluo.com/, and learn how she is inventing the category of high visibility gear for everyone that is moving. You can also see Julie present at Micromobility Europe 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7br1CqOz3EU&t=43s

James Gross interviews entrepreneur Dan Carr about the U.S. launch of Wombi, an all-inclusive electric cargo bike subscription, in Culver City and West LA: https://wombi.us/ Wombi aims to encourage people in Los Angeles to drive less, be more active, and enjoy their city. They offer electric cargo bikes as an alternative to cars, addressing issues like traffic, social isolation, and fluctuating gas prices. Wombi started in Australia as Lug+Carrie and has a history of helping people find car alternatives. Customers can pick a Wombi bike that suits their lifestyle, customize it with accessories, and enjoy free delivery. The subscription includes full bike maintenance, insurance, and the flexibility to adapt to changing needs, such as adding child seats or pet carriers. There are two ebikes to choose from, the Tern Quick Haul and Tern GSD, with over 20 accessories. Chapters: 00:00 - 03:50 Why subscription + cargo ebikes is a game-changer 03:50 - 07:12 Backstory of the brand in Australia (Lug+Carrie) 07:12 - 13:45 Wombi's launch in SoCal 13:45 - 18:12 Lowering the barrier to entry with subscription 18:12 - 20:55 Why Wombi uses ebikes from Tern 20:55 - 23:03 Improvements in theft prevention 23:03 - 30:46 Incentives for families, schools, cities 30:46 - 35:09 Future growth plans

Founder and CEO of Onewheel, Kyle Doerksen, discusses the community-building movement around Onewheel and the emergence of riding groups, festivals, and events. The podcast also explores the importance of aligning companies and city policy makers for micro-mobility and discusses the advantages and challenges of domestic manufacturing. Other topics include the launch of new electric motorbikes by Ola Electric and the comparison between e-bikes and pedal bikes for shared mobility programs.

Author Edward Niedermeyer discusses the misconceptions about autonomous vehicles (AVs) and urbanists' views. He emphasizes the distinction between AVs and Teslas' autopilot system. Niedermeyer highlights the need for legislative action on automaker safety standards and factors driving AV adoption. The chapter also explores the controversy surrounding AVs and the importance of public education. Understanding the difference between AVs and traditional cars is crucial for reshaping cities and mobility.

Win a lectric XP 3.0, enter the contest here: https://ridereview.com/giveaway/lectric-xp-3-0-giveaway- We announced the Ride Expo in the San Francisco Bay Area on October 20th! Register now for a $10 ticket. https://lu.ma/yvv4158o Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:40 More consolidation coming to the world of shared micromobility? 08:46 Trek or Giant to buy Vanmoof? 11:23 How journalists are covering traffic violence against ebike riders 17:15 Mayor of Boston offering free bike lessons for kids 18:30 Vehicle Launches 21:42 Meet Keith Simon from Waev and new GEM line! Show notes: Is more consolidation coming to the world of shared micromobility? Rumor has it that two of Europe’s largest electric scooter and bike operators, Tier and Voi, are exploring the possibility of a merger. https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/handel-konsumgueter/tier-und-voi-e-scooter-marktfuehrer-spricht-mit-wettbewerber-ueber-fusion/29285566.html Relatedly, industry analyst Augustin Friedel offers a strong testimony that the shared market is still growing rapidly. (NYC, Paris) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/friedel_sharedmobility-micromobility-bikes-activity-7093903247832145920-n67y?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop As part of her effort to make Boston one of the top U.S. cities for raising children, Mayor Michelle Wu is providing free bike lessons for children between the ages of four and thirteen, calling cycling as a “crucial life skill.” 300 students, 15 schools. How much does this cost? https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/2023-07-19-boston-mayor-wu-announces-free-citywide-bike-riding-lessons-for-kids Interesting eBike deals - VanMoof is accepting suitors (Trek, Giant, KKR). James and Micah discuss NYT victim blaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5ItDY0rIb4 Vehicle Launches Kawasaki appears to have begun production on its first two electric motorcycles, the Ninja e-1 and the Z e-1. Last year, the company announced the vehicles’ development, and while it appears that some of the specs for the production bikes will be slightly different than anticipated, Kawasaki is still set to become the first large motorcycle manufacturer in Japan to go electric. https://electrek.co/2023/08/02/kawasaki-says-its-first-electric-motorcycles-are-ready/ Crowdfunding for the new WAU CYBER “Unleash the Beast” 5000W ebike is still live on Indiegogo for one more day. This self-proclaimed “Sur-Ron Killer” has an ultra sleek body and tops out at 55 mph - currently, 23 of the early bird models remain to be claimed. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/wau-cyber-unleash-the-beast-5000w-powerhouse-ebike#/updates/all Aventon is launching the Soltera.2, a new, Class 2 ebike with 46 miles (74km) of range, a removable throttle, and pedal assist, to name a few of its features. Building upon the lightweight aluminum frame of the original Soltera, the new model aims to bring the latest technology at an affordable price. https://www.aventon.com/products/soltera-2-ebike?variant=42472444920003 Lámpago’s new electric trike design is certain to turn heads on your morning commute. The Turkish three-wheeler has two seats, a 25-45 mile (40-72km) range, and a top speed of 28mph (45kph). Did we mention that, because it lacks a roof, it is technically classified as a moped and requires a helmet to drive? https://lampago.co/en We have Keith Simon from Waev on Ride On!