The U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation has allocated $3.7 million of federal funding to deploy micromobility parking and charging networks across New Jersey and Minnesota.
Micromobility companies Oonee and Swobbee have been awarded the grant to support the buildout of at least twenty stations in Minneapolis, MN, and the expansion of at least ten new stations in Jersey City, NJ.
Funding for New York University’s (NYU) Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management is also included in the grant. The centre aims to develop a best practice framework based off of the programme that will serve other U.S. cities wishing to bring micromobility to their communities.
“Micromobility parking and charging infrastructure provides equitable access to transportation by addressing barriers faced by populations living in dense urban areas, particularly renters or low-income individuals who lack space or permission to store bikes at home,” Sarah M. Kaufman, Director of the NYU Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management, told Zag Daily.
“By offering secure storage and charging solutions outside of the home, these facilities empower individuals to use micromobility for commuting or work, such as delivery services, thereby reducing transportation costs and improving economic opportunities.”
Lack of public charging and charging infrastructure has proven to be a prominent barrier in increasing micromobility uptake in the region. In New York, 25% of all households have experienced bike theft, while lithium-ion batteries have caused 733 fires and 29 deaths since 2019.
The NYU Rudin Center will analyse data from the micromobility deployments in Jersey City and Minneapolis using metrics such as usage rates, facility security, reliability of charging infrastructure, and user satisfaction. It will also seek engagement with residents, businesses and policymakers.
The framework aims to identify the best practices for deploying new micromobility storage and charging facilities. In assessing their scalability, necessary adaptations, and limitations, the findings hope to guide similar initiatives across the US.
“At Swobbee, we know that many New Yorkers—especially delivery workers and residents in underserved communities—are facing big challenges when it comes to adopting micromobility,” Swobbee US General Manager Stephan von Wolff said.
“Our 24/7 battery swapping network is built to tackle these barriers like high upfront costs, the risk of theft and damage, safety concerns regarding at-home charging, and downtime. By empowering users with reliable infrastructure, we help reduce transportation costs and create a more inclusive urban mobility ecosystem.”
Oonee CEO Shabazz Stuart said: “This is a watershed moment in the fight to bring this critical green infrastructure to communities across America. Having a safe, convenient place to park and charge is the cornerstone of the micromobility experience and therefore should be a regular part of the urban built environment.
“We’re looking forward to working with Swobbee, NYU, and the cities to create a template that can be replicated across America.”
In other micromobility charging news, the New York City Department of Transportation has finalised new rules to allow property owners and tenants to seek approval to install battery swapping and charging cabinets on sidewalks in front of their property. The aim is to reduce e-battery charging in apartments and support safe micromobility use.
