Annually the Micromobility America convention meets in California to showcase the newest corporations and developments within the gentle electrical car world. The sister present to Micromobility Europe, this yr’s North American convention moved to Southern California, bringing to Costa Mesa an array of nearly each sort of micromobility gadget you can think about, from e-bikes, e-scooters and fully-fledged electrical bikes to four-wheeled neighborhood electrical automobiles.
Whereas it’s arduous to cowl each single firm from the present, we did our greatest to drag out as many highlights as doable. See them under, or watch the video for an up shut and private expertise. Or each!
Lectric Ebikes
Lectric Ebikes, which has grown in simply 5 years to the best-selling electrical bike model within the US, had a major spot on the present to share the corporate’s ever-growing lineup. On the heart of the sales space was the brand new Lectric XPedition 2.0 electrical cargo bike, which was lately unveiled as a serious replace to the model’s first cargo e-bike.
The XPedition by some means retained the identical $1,399 promoting worth, whereas coming with a number of new options like an upgraded body, improved suspension fork, torque sensor, higher brakes, colour show, bigger battery choices, and loads of different new options.
The corporate’s CEO, Levi Conlow, was additionally probably the most widespread audio system on the occasion, sharing his insights with the standing-room-only viewers.
VMAX Electrical Scooters
The Swiss-based electrical scooter firm VMAX was additionally available, leveraging their US growth final yr and their native LA-based distribution heart.
The corporate introduced almost all of their fashions of electrical scooters to the present and I had the possibility to attempt a number of of them out.
The small and low-cost ($349!) VMAX VX5 and its upgraded VX5 Professional electrical scooter are surprisingly peppy for a so-called “entry-level scooter”, and I may simply hit the 18 mph (30 km/h) high pace. There’s no suspension, however the scooter is so gentle that it doesn’t appear to overlook it.
I spent extra time on the VX2 Excessive (and I additionally borrowed one for the few days I used to be in LA – extra on that have quickly) and might let you know that the upgraded energy is potent. In its highest energy mode, the 1,600W rear hub motor would simply wheelie and I needed to bear in mind to maintain extra weight on the entrance of the scooter whereas accelerating or simply not go full-throttle, like I’m used to on weaker scooters the place the throttle is principally an on/off swap. With the VX2 Excessive, you possibly can deal with the throttle extra like an precise variable accelerator as an alternative of simply mashing all of it the best way to take off. That’s how a lot energy this gentle and nimble scooter unleashes. Fairly spectacular for $799!
The final mannequin I attempted was the VMAX VX4, which provides some comfy suspension and extra pace, although is a bit heavier. You surrender some portability to get that further efficiency, so this isn’t one you’d need to carry for too lengthy (except you’re happy with hauling 60+ lbs round by hand), however it’s extremely planted and comfy for longer cruising at larger speeds.
Fly E-Bike
This was my first likelihood to see the expanded lineup from Fly, which is principally the go-to electrical bicycle seller in New York Metropolis. They’ve bought dozens of retail footprints within the metropolis and are the primary provider to all of these supply riders you’ll see doing the vital but thankless work of criss-crossing the town to carry meals and deliveries to residents in mere minutes.
Whereas Fly is understood for its electrical bicycles, the corporate has expanded into nicer-looking and higher-performance electrical seated scooters and bikes.
I used to be shocked to see the spectacular designs on the sales space, particularly since I had lengthy related Fly with all of these electrical bikes with large batteries meant for all-day supply riders and never heavier obligation bikes like these.
BikeOn electrical bike conversion package
The BikeOn conversion package is without doubt one of the most extremely engineered kits I’ve seen for changing a normal pedal bike into an e-bike.
It mounts in beneath 30 seconds to just about any bicycle, attaching its shiny pink anodized gear ring to the most important sprocket on a motorcycle’s rear cassette. It features a built-in torque sensor that measures the power utilized to the chain, permitting the small but highly effective motor to energy the rear wheel straight.
Your complete package weighs simply 3.8 lb (1.7 kg) with out the battery, and that little motor is rated for both 250W or 750W, relying in the marketplace. There’s even a suitable Android and iOS smartphone app that you should use because the package’s dashboard.
The battery suits in a water bottle holder, and provides simply 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) to the bike. It’s pretty small at 250 Wh, however they are saying it may possibly add 20 miles of vary to the bike.
This package is just not low-cost, priced at US $1,246 and not using a battery or US $1,599 with a battery. You should purchase very good full electrical bicycles for that worth, however that’s probably not the purpose of this package. As a substitute, that is designed to permit riders to transform a bicycle that they already personal and love – particularly nicer, high-end bicycles that you simply wouldn’t need to bolt a bunch of heavy gear onto.
Oh Wow Cycles
Oh Wow Cycles has a few of the largest – and coolest – electrical bicycles I’ve ever seen. This firm’s electrical trikes are merely out of this world. Positive, they’ve bought extra “regular” two-wheeled e-bikes too, however the rickshaws are what actually catch your eye. And that’s precisely what occurred on the present, with these huge individuals movers immediately drawing me into the sales space.
The brand new Conductor Plus is principally the minivan of the e-bike world, offering ample seating within the again for a number of kids and even adults! And as a double-duty electrical trike, the bench seat really folds ahead to transform into extra of a pickup truck mattress for cargo or pets.
In contrast to some trikes, which require you to bust out your hex wrench set and swap equipment to transform from passengers to cargo-carrying setup, this e-trike can convert in two seconds with out the necessity for any instruments.
There are additionally an possibility for twin batteries, which is a good suggestion for anybody planning on longer rides or utilizing this e-bike for extra commercial-style supply obligation.
I used to be additionally lucky to have the possibility to fulfill the corporate’s founder, Ash Soliman, and get a tour of the brand new fashions with him on the firm’s sales space. It was refreshing to see how excited Ash is about these e-bikes, particularly for his or her use in so many roles from household transport to cargo duties and extra.
These are positively some superior fashions to take a look at if you would like the sort of heavy-hauling capabilities that develop past these of a standard e-bike and even cargo bike.
Tempo e-bike insurance coverage
Getting your electrical bike stolen is an terrible feeling. I’ve been there. A number of occasions. Not solely does it really feel like a private violation, however you’re left with a critical monetary loss since most e-bikes are nicely over $1,000.
Fortuitously, there’s a brand new electrical bike theft insurance coverage program known as Tempo that seems like precisely what I want – and possibly what you want, too.
The corporate’s founder, Michael Keating, defined to me how the system works. In a nutshell, you pay US $199 and also you get three years of theft safety – principally $5.50 monthly. That safety contains lively theft restoration by working with bike registries and native legislation enforcement. As a part of the membership, riders get a registered bike quantity stamped on a number of anti-theft stickers designed to alert thieves of the lively restoration program, and the stickers additionally embrace a particular UV pigment so that they nonetheless go away a mark on the bike even when eliminated.
If a motorcycle is stolen, Tempo does its finest to get it again utilizing all of its numerous instruments and connections within the business. If they’ll’t get your bike again, you rise up to $2,500 from Tempo to switch the bike. Should you’re driving any of the largely sub-$2,500 electrical bikes within the US (the overwhelming majority of all e-bikes), that’s a reasonably nice deal. Should you’re on a $10,000 S-Works e-bike, it’s possible you’ll need to search for a special insurance coverage program.
Hyryd hydrogen-powered e-bikes
I first had the possibility to see Hyryd’s hydrogen-powered electrical bikes on the Micromobility Europe 2024 present, and now the corporate most lately confirmed off their know-how within the US at Micromobility America 2024.
In contrast to almost all different e-bikes, which retailer power in a battery, the Hyryd e-bikes use a small hydrogen tank mixed with a gas cell to generate electrical energy that powers the rear-wheel motor.
The bikes themselves are designed for the European market and thus don’t have the identical energy we’re used to within the US, however the know-how is neat to see in motion.
I’m undecided that is the way forward for e-bikes, and in reality I’m pretty positive it isn’t. But when they’ll discover some area of interest use reminiscent of in sharing or industrial fleets the place a central electrolysis machine can refill hydrogen bottles in a depot, then maybe there’s one thing to this.
E-Cuffs scooter lock
This one caught me abruptly, however it was neat to see these new scooter handcuff-style locks from E-Cuffs.
They use a quick-release system, to allow them to keep mounted on the scooter’s stem for regular use after which pop off for fast locking to varied objects.
Scooters can signify a tough locking drawback since they not often have an excellent triangle like e-bikes to safe a lock onto the body. However with the E-Cuffs, an e-scooter could be conveniently locked round its stem or downtube.
Joyride Revii
We’ve seen Joyride at a number of occasions prior to now, showcasing the corporate’s linked platform that makes it straightforward for startups or established corporations to function fleets of smart-connected micromobility automobiles. Wish to open your personal Chicken scooter startup? Joyride can get you up and working simply with your personal fleet of digitally built-in scooters that every one cellphone residence.
Now the corporate is demonstrating off a brand new platform known as Revii for bigger micromobility automobiles (generally known as “minimobility”) together with golf carts, Low-Pace Automobiles (LSVs) and different Neighborhood Electrical Automobiles (NEVs).
The app works equally to Joyride’s micromobility platform, however makes it simpler for resorts, resorts, conference facilities, or different operators of auto fleets like these to handle and management their automobiles.
As these vital car-replacing automobiles turn out to be extra widespread, and extra places start providing fleets for rental, shared, or different industrial makes use of, Revii’s platform may turn out to be more and more widespread within the house.
Ryvid electrical bikes
Electrical bikes had been additionally an enormous a part of the present, with Ryvid sharing check rides on its US-built Anthem and Outset electrical bikes. Each function Ryvid’s proprietary detachable battery design, permitting bike homeowners to park exterior and roll their giant battery into their storage or residence to cost from a wall plug. You possibly can even take it up right into a tall residence constructing so long as you’ve bought an elevator!
The Anthem additionally has numerous different cool options, reminiscent of its actuator-controlled adjustable body, which lets riders transfer the seat up and down by as a lot as 4 inches (100 mm), even whereas driving.
The Outset is constructed on an analogous body, although lacks the actuator. It’s constructed extra like a dual-sport bike and can seemingly make off-road riders really feel extra at residence than the clearly commuter-oriented Anthem. At beneath $6k, it’s additionally very attractively priced – although the Anthem’s $6,495 worth can be fairly engaging.
Each bikes are able to freeway speeds into the 70’s of MPH, and might obtain metropolis ranges of as much as 70 miles, although freeway commuting will shortly drop that vary.
I additionally had the possibility to attempt the up to date Anthem on the Outset, sneaking them out of the present grounds for some avenue driving. The Outset I examined even had Ryvid’s higher-power ASI controller, which affords a serious energy improve for riders who need much more efficiency.
These are extremely well-designed electrical bikes, although you need to keep in mind that they’re designed for native driving first. With a 4 kWh battery, they only aren’t meant for touring or long-distance driving. However for anybody who commutes 20 miles to work and needs a enjoyable, cheap, and environment friendly electrical car to show that slog of a commute right into a joyride, that is the best way to go!
Land Moto
Land Moto additionally boasts US manufacturing for its commuter-level electrical bikes, which carry their very own distinctive design styling. This was my first likelihood to see Land Moto’s bikes in individual and so they had been positively head-turners.
Beginning at $6,995, the Land Moto District is available in avenue and dust variations, with each claiming a max pace of 70 mph (112 km).
In addition they tout a max vary of 120 miles (193 km), although that’s from the most important battery possibility with 4.8 kWh of capability. The bottom mannequin has a 1.8 kWh battery that claims a extra conservative 40 miles (64 km) of vary at slower metropolis speeds.
The flexibility to dial within the battery capability (and its impact on pricing) permits riders to decide on precisely what they want, which is a uncommon function on this business.
Shandoka electrical bike conversion package for traditional bikes
This one is completely fascinating. Examine this out: Shandoka is an electrical bike conversion package firm that has developed a patented conversion system that matches a variety of basic bikes. The system features a battery and controller setup that mounts within the body instead of the unique combustion engine, and a rear hub motor that replaces the earlier rear wheel.
It permits riders to breathe new life into older bikes, particularly those who undergo from engine issues however in any other case nonetheless have structurally sound frames and parts that might simply be put again onto the street with a brand new powertrain.
And since most of those bikes had been initially produced within the Nineteen Eighties, they’re normally grandfathered into these older laws making these kind of conversions extremely straightforward to carry out.
These bikes within the footage from the present are all bare displaying off the engineering that went into the design, however they will also be buttoned again up or lined in a builder’s personal customized physique panels to create distinctive new designs.
The brainchild (and labor of affection) of Ernest Eich, these conversion kits are constructed within the firm’s North Carolina facility, showcasing one more instance of US manufacturing for electrical bikes and their parts.
I had the possibility to talk with Ernest on the present, and it is a firm that we’ll positively need to take a deeper looker at quickly.
There’s at all times extra to come back
Whereas this could’t cowl all the things on the present, it’s a group of a few of the most attention-grabbing and standout examples of micromobility in all of its various varieties.
Because the business continues to develop and mature, bouncing again from a rollercoaster of highs and lows for the reason that starting of the pandemic years, we’re anticipating to proceed seeing extra innovation and attention-grabbing designs like these.
Keep tuned for some deeper dives into a number of of those corporations as we discover what makes their gentle electrical automobiles and manufacturing processes distinctive.
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