Melbourne, VIC tackles growing e-scooter parking issue with safety technology pilot
Melbourne, Victoria, and Lime partnered on a limited pilot of new technology after complaints of sidewalks blocked by e-scooters. Twenty-five e-scooters are outfitted with cameras programmed for road detection. Real-time footage sent to the Lime app triggers suggestions of nearby legal parking areas. City officials are considering additional measures like intoxication detection systems, onboard mapping equipment, and rider ID verification.
Melbourne, VIC
Australia
Aberdeenshire Council, GB seeks commuting alternatives with Targeted Travel Behaviour Change Project
Aberdeenshire sought six volunteers for a year-long pilot of alternatives to car journeys. The council covered the costs of selected alternatives including e-bike loans and transit passes. Every household opted into e-bike use for most local commutes. Participants completed regular diary entries about the pros and cons of their travel experiences. Council officials will use travel diaries and other pilot data as they develop eco-friendly transit options.
Aberdeenshire Council, GB
United Kingdom
Leeds City Council, GB introduces the first 100% electric bike hire service in the United Kingdom
The Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy seeks affordable and accessible zero-emission transit options. A partnership with Beryl advances this strategy with 300 e-bikes and e-cargo bikes available for hire. Docking stations are placed along highly used routes in the central, south, and northwest areas of Leeds. The first trips on Leeds City Bikes will take place in autumn 2023 with plans for an expanded fleet and additional stations based on demand.
Leeds City Council, GB
United Kingdom
Regensburg Stadt, BY and Zeus respond to community feedback with wireless e-scooter charging pilot
Regensburg identified availability and sustainability as keys to public use of micro-mobility in a 2021 study. Municipal officials worked with Zeus on installing three Zolar stations at heavily used transit stops. The Zolar station uses 100% solar energy and wireless charging technology for quick recharges. Zeus will also incorporate its Z2 e-scooter into the local fleet, thus improving user experiences through longer battery life and smoother travel on cobblestone streets.
Regensburg Stadt, BY
Germany
Porirua City Council, NZ improves micro-mobility experiences with tactile signage on e-scooters
City officials approved a two-year e-scooter pilot with Beam and Flamingo in 2023. Beam worked with Porirua City Council on installing tactile signage across its fleet. Each sign includes the e-scooter plate number and a QR code connected to the Beam a Report system. Blind, deaf, and visually impaired passersby can report e-scooters blocking their paths on their phones. The system sends a Beam representative to collect the device and shapes the city's approach to micro-mobility management.
Porirua City Council, NZ
New Zealand
Plymouth City Council, GB supports sustainable commutes with Connect Plymouth initiative
Plymouth and Beryl Bikes partnered to place 500 e-bikes and 90 parking locations throughout the city. Three hundred EV fast-charging stations by Wenea can be accessed by the public through the manufacturer's mobile app. Car-sharing company Co Cars introduced a fleet of all-electric Volkswagen ID.3s for hourly use by club members. The Connect Plymouth website includes an interactive map of transit options and a travel planning tool.
Plymouth City Council, GB
United Kingdom
Culver City, CA reimagines street design for sustainable transit with MOVE Culver City pilot
MOVE Culver City used a quick-build approach to create a welcoming environment for multiple modes of transportation. The one-year pilot added 14 bus and bike platforms, 1.4 miles of protected bike lanes, and 2.6 miles of bus lanes. Leading Pedestrian Intervals were added to seven intersections for safer walking experiences. All-electric minibuses ran circulator routes to popular downtown destinations. Colorful mobility drop zones encouraged safe parking for shared micro-mobility users.
Culver City, CA
United States
New York, NY introduces Charge Safe, Ride Safe plan for improved micro-mobility battery safety
City officials published the plan in response to device fires caused by unregulated lithium-ion batteries. A proposed safe equipment access plan swaps unsafe batteries for new batteries in personal devices through buybacks or rebates. The 2023 DOT Studio Challenge will encourage pilots of charging technologies for food delivery workers and residential use. Charge Safe, Ride Safe also calls for public education on micro-mobility safety and targeted enforcement of fire code violations.
New York, NY
United States
Perth, WA expands its sustainable transit offerings during e-scooter pilot with Bird and Neuron
Perth selected Bird and Neuron as licensed operators for its two-year e-scooter trial. Users aged 16 and older can hire e-scooters through the operators' mobile apps at 80 locations. This pilot differs from other Australian trials by requiring the return of e-scooters to designated parking spots. E-scooters are limited to 25 km/h on roads and 10 km/h on sidewalks. Geofencing technology prevents scooter use in three high-traffic pedestrian areas.
Perth, WA
Australia
South Somerset District Council, GB partners with Zwings on an e-scooter pilot in Yeovil
The council selected Zwings from 16 applicants for the one-year pilot. A fleet of up to 200 e-scooters was available for hire from virtual parking zones. Zwings used 100% renewable energy when recharging e-scooters and an electric van for its trips around Yeovil. South Somerset pursued the project as part of the national Department for Transport's effort at reinvigorating town centers through active travel.
South Somerset District Council, GB
United Kingdom
Berkeley, CA E-Bike Equity Project promotes sustainable active travel by low-income households
The one-year pilot provides e-bikes and safety accessories to 50 residents earning 80% or less of area median income. Participants complete pre-pilot safety courses, report monthly odometer readings, and complete quarterly surveys. Project operator Waterside Workshops provides quarterly inspections and free maintenance throughout the pilot. The E-Bike Equity Project, planned e-bike subsidies, and an expanded sharing fleet expand access to affordable transit options.
Berkeley, CA
United States
Alexandria, VA evaluates impacts of slow zones on shared micro-mobility during Old Town pilot
Alexandria established a permanent micro-mobility program with annual permitting for e-bike and e-scooter operators. The three-month pilot sets an 8 MPH speed limit for shared vehicles in Old Town instead of the existing 15 MPH limit. GPS data will be used to limit vehicle speeds when they enter heavily used areas like Point Lumley Park and the waterfront. City officials will gather user feedback for discussions of slow zone expansion into other neighborhoods.
Alexandria, VA
United States