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5 key innovations taking e-scooters to a half-billion rides in 2021

TechCrunch

Understanding the key developments that helped advance micromobility over the past several years can give us valuable insights not only into where the industry is headed, but about how we can successfully shape it to meet the needs of hundreds of millions of current and future riders around the world. 1: Shared scooters launched (fall 2017).

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Acton’s latest acquisition hints at the future of docked micromobility

TechCrunch

The term “shared micromobility” often calls to mind that Lime e-bike on the nearest street corner or the Voi e-scooter parked next to the bus stop, either of which could on any given day be standing upright or knocked over onto the pavement. That might be changing. Acton , a U.S.

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Uber sells air taxi business Elevate to Joby Aviation, shedding its last moonshot

TechCrunch

.” One year ago, Uber’s business model could be categorized as an “all of the above approach,” a strategy to generate revenue from all forms of transportation, including ride-hailing, micromobility, logistics and package and food delivery. In the spring, Uber led a $170 million funding round in micromobility startup Lime.

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Zoomo raises $12 million to expand e-bike subscription offerings

TechCrunch

“Their expectations for quality commercial vehicles, on demand service, flexible financing and tech enabled security features spurred us to innovate. It’s a tall order, and Zoomo’s strategy could be leading a new trend in micromobility of being a one-stop shop that promises quick scalability.

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Drover AI is using computer vision to keep scooter riders off sidewalks

TechCrunch

Shared micromobility companies have been adopting startlingly advanced new tech to correct for the thing that cities hate most — sidewalk riding. Nesic said Drover also intends to hire a software engineer to help build out the data dashboards the company offers to micromobility partners. Image Credits: Drover AI.

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Japan’s Five-Year Development Strategy unveils KANSAI Startup Night Vol. 4

AsiaTechDaily

Glafit emerged as a standout among the showcased innovators, envisioning itself as Japan ‘s pioneering force in next-generation vehicle manufacturing. Backed by alliances and investments from industry titans such as Yamaha Motor and Panasonic, Glafit’s scope spans design to mass production and sales of micromobility vehicles.

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Startup founded by ‘Survivor’ champ debuts airless bike tires based on NASA rover tech

TechCrunch

SMART, a startup founded in 2020, has a partnership with NASA through the Space Act Agreement and is part of the agency’s formal Startup Program that aims to commercialize some of its innovations. Already, SMART has a partnership in place with Ford-owned Spin, the bike and scooter-sharing company focused on novel micromobility models.