One of the world’s largest conferences for light electric vehicles – Micromobility Europe in Amsterdam – has wrapped up for 2024.
Featuring an extensive range of industry players from founders to funders, and jam-packed with panel sessions and demonstrations, it would have been impossible to see everything.
Zag Daily covers six announcements from the event in case you missed them.
Moby
What it is: Irish bike sharing provider Moby has unveiled its tap-and-ride universal locking and charging system: Moby Strim.
Why it matters: Moby Strim is a universal charging system that combines the best parts of docking stations and free floating parking. IoT, GPS tracking and a tap-and-ride system are all integrated into a single component that can be installed onto any bike. This means riders can unlock their vehicle using their card, securely pause their journey and lock onto existing infrastructure, before parking onto a Strim stand that’s connected to the grid. Daisy chain locking means fewer full bike stands, and the station can autonomously charge up to eight vehicles equally. “Docking stations are massive, they cost a lot of money, and they’re ugly,” Moby Business Development Assistant Manager Erkin Hajili told Zag Daily. “This solution provides a cheaper, compact alternative to that. You don’t need to worry about full docking stations and the city doesn’t need to worry about paying €20,000 euros to install them.”
Flit
What it is: UK-based Flit showcased its second and latest e-bike model: Flit M2.
Why it matters: Flit M2 is a folding e-bike that offers a 50 kilometre range and reimagines the manufacturing process. The brand received a grant from Innovate UK to go weld-free for the M2 and instead use adhesive bonding. This manufacturing process is also used in the automotive and aerospace industries and is the secret behind the M2’s strength. “Because it’s all bonded together it’s extremely precise and when the glue sets it stays exactly where it is. With welding you get distortions,” Flit Managing Director Alex Murray told Zag. “If you imagine those distortions on a standard bike it doesn’t really matter, but because this bike folds and clips together the tiniest distortion would mean it misaligns.”
Voltaire
What it is: A dual announcement came from French e-bike retailer Voltaire which has launched a brand new model and partnered with subscription service Motto.
Why it matters: Voltaire’s new model – the Rivoli – upholds the brand’s tribute to 60s bicycles while offering an evolution of capabilities: a 100 kilometre range and a dual-speed motor with greater power. With its partnership with Motto, subscription for Voltaire’s e-bikes will be made available in Paris in two weeks time. “We can see that there’s a shift in the market and subscription is becoming more and more important. With this subscription, users have the choice of trialling the product before choosing whether to buy it directly from us,” said Grégoire Lieurade, Voltaire CEO and Co-Founder.
Okai
What it is: Micromobility manufacturer Okai exhibited its ES700 e-scooter that’s set for release in one month.
Why it matters: Okai has designed the ES700 e-scooter as an entry-level option and its most affordable model yet. It comes equipped with 3rd Generation IoT, a wider stance for comfort, and a new lighting system for added visibility. Okai’s factory is in China and it also has offices in Europe and the US. With 17 years of industry experience, it boasts reputable clients including UK-based Beryl and Forest. “Okai learns from its clients and their daily operations, and we add those insights into the manufacture and product design,” said Okai’s Mao Yuelei.
Mayten
What it is: Mobility-tech company Mayten unveiled its microcar that it plans to launch in the next one to two years.
Why it matters: Mayten has designed this microcar to fill the gap of a missing form factor in the market. Categorised as an L6e vehicle, it’s capped at 45 kph and only requires a moped licence, while being one-quarter the weight of a standard car. “We’ve seen movement away from cars to bikes and scooters but it’s not been a huge shift. There’s still a need for a new form factor that fits in between,” said Mayten CEO and Founder Prabin Joel Jones. The vehicle will prioritise driver assets to stand out in the market, and aims to give a “premium” feel.
Magic Lane
What it is: Mapping and location platform Magic Lane has partnered with Indian e-bike brand NINE09.
Why it matters: The partnership combines Magic Lane’s navigation capabilities with NINE09’s modular functionalities. “NINE09 gave a big push in the digitization of the rider experience to start with an integrated display including bike navigation,” said Magic Lane CEO Raymond Alves. The aim “is to revolutionise cycling experiences by seamlessly integrating navigation capabilities with the NINE09 e-bike’s functionality.” On the e-bike itself, whereas bikes would traditionally be considered a loss if the frame becomes damaged, the e-bike modularity of NINE09’s CX02 model means riders can replace 90% of faulty components without the need for a specialist. The first batch is in production and will be available this July.
