urban transport

While some electric moto makers focus on high performance and long range, others are aiming at the commuter market. California startup Ryvid has launched an around-town electric moto called the Anthem that also has enough pep for highway riding.

Eurobike kicks off in Frankfurt this week, and Heidelberg-based "avant-garde" ebike builder Coboc is marking the occasion with the launch of an urban sport model called the Sydney that rocks stealthy non-ebike looks and tips the scales at 14.5 kg.

The new generation of Piaggio’s MP3 tilting three-wheeled scooters has debuted with two models, the 400 HPE and 530 HPE. Both feature updated looks and engines, as well as a host of fresh electronic gear, including a rear-facing radar and camera combo.

Fixed-gear specialist State Bicycle Co has entered the ebike market to offer a simple, affordable electric that looks and rides much like a traditional urban commuter with a bit of pep. The matte black-out look only adds to its understated appeal.

If you can't build out, build up. It works for city buildings, and a Japanese design firm is trying to make it work for city bikes. The Streek e-trike carries two levels of cargo inside a loop frame compact enough for tight city streets and paths.

German motion plastics specialist igus and Dutch bicycle startup MTRL have partnered to create a bike made from recycled plastic trash, including the frame, forks, wheels and gears. The igus:bike is due to ride out toward the end of the year.

When Squad Mobility announced plans for a solar-electric city car in 2019, it had only renderings and promises. This week, it revealed the completed Squad, an evolved microcar that still maintains its simple, highly affordable solarized design.

One of the world's largest bicycle brands ups its ebike game with a dedicated brand encouraging commuters to ditch the car and get on an electric bike. Specialized's Globe brand will carry the torch of getting more butts into ebike saddles.

Blix has added a versatile fat-tire all-terrain ebike called the Ultra to its product lineup, which can be switched between Class 2 and 3 modes, offers pedal assist up to 28 mph and can be had with dual batteries for up to 80 miles of range.

Looking to attract more people to the world of ebikes, Dutch outfit VanMoof has refreshed its lineup of electrified two-wheelers to include its first step-through frame, while also bringing some new bells and whistles to the table.

When Sono Motors introduced a prototype of its Sion solar-electric family car at CES 2021, the company also showed a huge semi-truck solar trailer. Now that idea is taking to the streets, but in the shape of a passenger-carrying trailer bus.

Back in January, Aventon took aim at commutes by car with the Solterra ebike, and then hit the trails with the Sinch fat-tire folder. Now the company has announced its final ebike launch for 2022 in the shape of the Pace 500 and Pace 350 cruisers.