Mobility

The self-driving ID. Buzz is a fully autonomous van created and engineered by Volkswagen’s mobility-focused sub-brand, MOIA. Unlike retrofitted cars, the ID. Buzz has been built from the ground up specifically for mobility services.

The Utility Personal Transporter may do for EVs what smartphones did for gadgets – combining multiple types in one device. What's more, recent announcements suggest that people may soon start seeing the thing in actual use, in three countries.

A Singapore startup recently launched an e-mobility concept that looks like an unhappy marriage between an office chair and a mobility scooter. The Strutt ev1 sports a sensor array and smart algorithms that feed into a built-in drive-assist system.

A new soft harness system out of the Technical University of Munich works like a pair of shorts to reduce the exertion needed to walk or jog by up to 18%. The system is easy to put on and take off and holds promise for helping anyone get more mobile.

Carnegie Mellon spinoff Shift Robotics has launched a lighter, quieter version of its strap-on powered wheels first introduced as a Kickstarter in 2022. Like the originals, the Moonwalkers Aero are designed to give users a powered boost as they walk.

Seattle's Rad Power Bikes is hoping to tempt new riders to its ebike stable with the launch of the RadKick step-through – a Class 2 cargo-ready commuter with chain drive for $1,200 or clean and quiet belt drive for just 200 bucks more.

A new set of 'powered pants' can boost your leg strength as much as 40%, or make you feel around 30 lb (14 kg) lighter, according to Google X Labs spinout Skip. This 'mountain goat' exoskeleton aims to eliminate physical barriers to outdoor hiking.

Finding that many ebike riders prefer to throttle through commutes and urban adventures, LA-based startup Owlet opted to ditch the pedals altogether for its upcoming One model – a high-torque angular beast with attitude.

Moto-inspired ebikes are a popular choice among adventurous types looking for something a little different than the average commuter. Budget bike maker Engwe has updated its M20 model "to enhance performance, comfort and safety."

CyCrown is looking to get more folks riding with a low-step fat-tire ebike rolling a 1-kW motor for Class 3 riding in the city plus a 60-mile battery for heading into the wild. But perhaps the most attractive feature is the relatively low ticket price.

Electric micro-cars make a lot of sense for quietly and cleanly navigating packed inner-city environs. As do ebikes or velomobiles. A French startup has combined all three for the Karbikes pedal-assist quadricycle.

Canadian startup No-Bo Power has unveiled a carbon-framed mid-drive explorer rolling chunky fat tires and full suspension that serves as a stylish head-turner around town or a capable off-roader when the weekend warrior takes over.