The Latest Pre-Conference Video Podcast
Sep 23, 2024– We’ve just posted the latest Micromobility Business Podcast to the new LinkedIn Group and on the site. Ultimately, content like this will be available to our subscribers but you can join us for free to ensure you are kept up to speed.
We chatted with Andy Boenau a 25-year veteran in city planning and community engineering. Andy has a day job working with a major East Coast city in helping to develop a master plan that incorporates cycling. He is a regular contributor to many sites through articles, posts, and podcasts.
Andy will be part of the team to present during the upcoming Micromobility Business Global Summit ‘24 in December. The topics covered today touched on how entrepreneurs interested in the two cycling business models (ridesharing and commercial delivery), need to understand and approach local town councils and agencies to find the right business model fit for their proposals.
A Sit-down With Coaster Cycle To Talk About Their Latest Plans
As a prelude to the upcoming Global Conference on December 5th, we sat down with two of the founding members of the team behind Coaster Cycles to get some important information about their launch of some new products, both hardware and software. This series of 4 video podcasts touches on what we expect to learn more about during the conference. This is the first video in the series. The rest are coming later this week.
Using Commercial-Grade Electric-Assist Cargo Bikes for Last-Mile Deliveries
The idea of using commercial-grade electric-assist cargo bikes for last-mile deliveries in urban settings has gained momentum in the EU, particularly in the bicycle-dense Netherlands and cities such as Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Utrecht. While we are a US-based industry organization, these markets have been influential in terms of organization, deployment, and regulations.
From a business perspective, commercial cargo bikes, supplemental cargo trailers, and various grades of electric assist are components of a broader picture. They are important but not the sole factors in the success of the business model.
Defining the Cargo Bike
According to a 2023 report by ARUP and Tour de Force for the City of Rotterdam:
“Cargo bikes are, often electrically powered, bikes specifically designed to carry loads, making them suitable for deliveries in the city. These are deliveries of goods and services.”
The variations in cargo bike types, sizes, features, and platforms are designed for specific tasks or to navigate particular terrains. For the North American market, some designs differ from acceptable standards and regulations, but all aim to serve a commercial purpose.
Environmental and Business Objectives
In the EU, environmental objectives have significantly influenced regulations, incentives, and business goals. In contrast, North American geopolitical positions often prioritize business objectives over environmental ones. Read More >>
The US Is Setting Micromobility Usage Records With A 20% Increase Annually, But All Is Not Rosy
In a recent article by Kea Wilson of Streetsblog USA, it was reported that the number of trips on shared micromobility devices, such as electric bikes and scooters, saw a significant 20% increase from 2022 to 2023. However, the report also indicates a concerning trend: many of these operators may struggle to survive without financial support from local governments.
Wilson’s research highlights that North America set a new record for the number of micromobility trips in a single year, with Canada experiencing an impressive 40% increase in usage. Despite this growth, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), which provided the data for Wilson’s article, warns that the industry is facing a precarious situation. Without local government subsidies, many service providers could go out of business, potentially leading to higher annual pass rates for riders by 20 to 30 percent, even in major programs. Read More>>
Taking Advantage of the Quantum Changes to the NYC Commercial Last-Mile Delivery Business Model
A quantum change to the New York City regulations for commercial last-mile deliveries has come, creating a new opportunity for a larger selection of commercial cargo bikes and supported accessories. The new dimensions, speed adjustments, and number of wheels will significantly change the business model.
With the growth of cargo bike builders throughout the EU, these changes in the NY laws create new incentives for these bikes as they are already limited to speeds similar to 15 mph, and the acceptance of 4 wheels has been ongoing for some time. 
Read More>>
Advocating for Electric-Assist Bike Infrastructure
Across North America and Europe, numerous organizations are advocating for greater recognition and representation of people using bikes for transportation, particularly in support of legal electric-assist bicycles.
While efforts to convince local governments to embrace bike lanes and shared paths under the guise of ecological benefits are ongoing, they often struggle to gain traction against competing priorities such as commerce, taxes, and job creation. Read More>>
Understanding the challenges associated with DIY electric-assist bicycle battery and system “Right To Repair” legislation
Let’s face it, if there was a legitimate resource of battery cell-based electrical/chemical/material engineers available, we would have far more cell production companies here in North America. The reality is that we don’t have the technical manpower with the expertise needed to fully understand everything from the actual formulation of new cell chemistry to the adaptability of reverse engineering of cell and pack technology to identify and repair existing battery packs built into electric vehicles. Read More>>
Global Online Conference: Getting Into The Details
As we transition over to a Global Online conference, the focus will remain the same.
With our concentration on fleet-based, electric-assist ridesharing bicycle programs, and commercial, last-mile, electric-assist cargo bikes, the plan is to dive into the details of creating a successful model from two different points of view. The Micromobility Business Global Online Conference will have a mixture of individual presentations, group discussions, sponsor and exhibitor showcases, and live chat sessions for individual and group conversations.
Post Eurobike Event And Supply-Chain Challenges
Following the Eurobike event, there was modest growth in attendance. However, the primary issues reported across multiple sources remain supply chain disruptions and excess inventory. Global events have created challenges for attendees traveling to Frankfurt, compounded by the economic costs associated with travel during the peak selling season for many in the marketplace. Overall, the industry sees Eurobike as successful, and for many, possibly the most significant gathering for the industry globally.
Geographical Diversification in Manufacturing
Geographical diversification, near-shoring, and on-shoring manufacturing have become crucial amid rising geopolitical issues. New government policies on tariffs, import controls, and safety regulations due to questionable quality have also impacted the industry. Additionally, the growth of electric-assist cycling has drawn increased scrutiny and regulation at the local level.
European Manufacturing Trends
In Europe, manufacturing trends include country subsidies and supported expansion of advanced manufacturing centers. A prime example is Águeda, Portugal, often called “Bike Valley.” Portugal, the largest bicycle-producing country in Europe, fabricated over 2.6 million bicycles in 2020. More than 60 companies, staffed by more than 1,700 workers, produce components in the valley. Read More>>