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GM is making e-bikes as it expands beyond cars
GM is keenly aware that it can't depend on car sales going forward, and that now includes venturing beyond cars. The company has revealed that it's working on two e-bikes, one compact and one folding, ahead of a launch sometime in 2019. It didn't say much about the machines, but their low-slung designs make it clear that the focus is on efficiency rather than raw performance.
Zero Motorcycles' 2019 line-up boasts more power and longer range
Zero Motorcycles has made a name for itself by producing electric bikes that appeal to motorcycle enthusiasts as well as alternative fuel fans. Its bikes have been a hit with thrill seekers and commuters alike, and its newly-announced 2019 line-up makes it easy to see why the company is consistently performing better than all of its competitors combined.
Lime's Gen 3 scooter is built to survive rider abuse
Lime might have lost access to San Francisco, but it does have a consolation prize: a new scooter to entice you in those cities where its shared service does operate. The Lime-S Gen 3 touts technology upgrades like a color screen (for speed, battery capacity and future parking zone alerts), improved location accuracy and a status light that indicates the charge level without making you check your phone. However, the biggest upgrades are to longevity -- you should see fewer dead scooters littering the sidewalks.
Carving up London on the monster Mate X electric bike
Most electric-bike companies are pursuing designs nearly indistinguishable from their purely pedal-powered brethren. They're hiding batteries in slightly thicker frames or attaching them where a rider would normally store a water bottle. While the execution differs, the goal is the same: to make the owner blend in with other cyclists. Mate is a little different, though. The Danish startup is developing e-bikes that are meant to stand out and make people stare. Its latest, the Mate X, is a monster ride with chunky off-road tires and a thick slab of metal that doubles as the top and down tube. And, oh boy, does it fly.
VanMoof's Electrified S2 is a seriously smart commuter bike
VanMoof is almost ready to ship its next generation of electric bicycles. The Electrified S2 and X2 are vast improvements over their predecessors, with bigger batteries, nippier motors and smarter locking mechanisms. If you live in a city and fancy commuting on a bicycle, but fear conniving thieves and the potentially sweaty exercise required to reach the office, this could be your savior. During a two-hour test-ride in London, I was impressed with the S2's stylish frame, pedal-assisted power and integrated 'stealth lock.' It's not a cheap purchase, but few electric bicycles are at the moment.
Uber launches its first electric scooter service in Santa Monica
Uber is ready to fulfill its promise of launching its own electric scooter service. As of October 3rd, commuters in Santa Monica can use the Uber app to reserve Jump scooters for quick jaunts across town. Like some of the competition, you unlock your two-wheeled transport by scanning a QR code on the handlebars. You can't just park them anywhere, though -- Uber is keenly aware of common scooter gripes and has designated parking zones. The prices are familiar at $1 to unlock and 15 cents per minute (they're free until October 7th).
