📣 Startup Pitch Awards at Micromobility Europe

Plus: Trek's new cargo bikes, a four-wheeled motorcycle from Alibaba, and tiny cars from the USA to Sweden to China.

Announcing The Micromobility Startups Awards

🏆 At Micromobility Europe, for the first time ever, we will hold The Micromobility Startups Awards.

Any company that has raised less than $20M in total funding will be eligible to pitch in their respective category. Categories will reflect The Micromobility Landscape. Each company that is selected will have 3 minutes to pitch on the Startup Stage.

If you would like to enter, please fill out this form.

What You Need to Know Today

Arcimoto, U.S. maker of semi-enclosed trikes, says it is ready to bang out some more vehicles in March after raising $12M to restart production. The company’s next batch of EVs will feature an upgraded steering system that will offer enhanced handling and maneuverability, while reducing “steering effort by more than 40%.”

Apollo Scooters is teasing the return of its popular Explore lineup. Interestingly, in what would be a first for Apollo, the new scooter appears to have a folding foot deck that allows you to face forward while riding.

Trek announced two new electric cargo bikes, the longtail Fetch Plus 2 and the bakfiets-style Fetch Plus 4. Both feature premium components and premium price tags ($5,999 and $8,499, respectively).

ICYMI our last newsletter… Lectric rolled out XPedition, a shockingly affordable electric cargo bike that could be an absolute game-changer for families who are on a budget.

With its new 38-mph electric skateboard, Defiant aims to merge old-school Santa Monica skate culture with high-powered Silicon Valley techniness.

Tracker just unveiled the micromobility equivalent of a dump truck. The Tracker OX EV is a UTV with a cargo bed capacity of 500 lbs and a hydraulic lifter in the bed, so you don’t have to unload it by hand.

tracker ox ev

Sweden’s RGNT will attempt to gun an electric motorcycle more than 283 mph across ice in a bid to set a new a world speed record.

Hero MotoCorp is India’s largest motorbike maker, but until last year, the company didn’t have a single electric model. Now the firm is making up for lost time with plans to greatly expand its EV lineup over the next 18-24 months.

After a successful Kickstarter campaign last year, Earth+Kin has officially launched the Mule, a fat-tired all-terrain wagon that turns any bike into a cargo bike.

The Mule ATW in action

Forget moving vans. This New Zealander moved houses entirely by cargo bike (a challenge that is apparently known as “quaxing.”)

Gazelle announced some pretty major upgrades to its Ultimate E-Bike series.

Swedish startup Luvly is rethinking the city car with an 880-lb EV that can travel 62 miles on a full charge and costs only €10k.

Taking a cue from scooters and bikes, automakers are now developing airless tires. Interesting to see big vehicles borrowing design innovations from small ones…

Himiway is releasing limited-edition versions of its electric bikes with U.S. state themes. First up, two sunny locales: California and Florida. 

Zero Motorcycles tapped Huge Design to come up with a minimalistic take on its SR/S model. The result is the clean-lined, clean-powered SR/X concept bike.

A side view of the Zero SR-X

A prototype for a folding hydrogen-powered bicycle has rolled off the assembly line in China.

Next week Heybike will start taking orders for Tyson, a hard-working Class 3 electric bike that will set you back $1,699 during presale.

Canyon’s Precede:ON urban electric bikes, already popular in Europe, will now be available in the U.S. too. 

Canyon Precede:ON AL 7: E-Bike im Test – Antrieb, Ausstattung, Preis

Electra Bicycle Co. has launched Loft Go, an eBike whose 250 kWh battery is so well concealed within the frame that it doesn’t look like an eBike at all.

After a long hiatus, cult-favorite startup Lit Motors has reopened pre-orders for its self-balancing C-1 podbike.

Photos have leaked of the Baojun Yep, a Chinese mini electric SUV from the same SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture that makes the Wuling Mini.

Trek is upgrading its Rail series of high-end eMTBs with Bosch’s Smart System package of motor, battery, and display.

Get a load of this weird four-wheeled motorcycle from Alibaba.

You ever see a pitbull ride an electric one-wheel? Only in Florida.

Guides

🏖 The Best Beach Cruiser eBikes: Looking for a beach cruiser for your next adventure in the surf or sand, or just your daily trip to the store? We’ve got you covered.

☔️ Great Waterproof eBike Jackets for 2023: Choosing the right cycling jacket can make all the difference for your next ride. With our list of the best waterproof options, you'll never have to worry about getting soaked again. 

Reviews

Known for its phenomenal speed and long range, the Dualtron Achilleus electric scooter has quickly become the go-to choice for those looking for a high-performance ride.  This premium scooter is certainly not cheap, but its exceptional performance makes it well worth the price tag.

The Flit 16 is an electric bike that ensures smooth performance with every ride. The compact foldable size lets you take the bike anywhere and the bike can be stored almost anywhere, whether it’s under your desk or on a bus. With steel reinforcements built into the hinges and a 6000-series aluminum frame that won’t rust, you can be well assured that the bike is made to last.