Urban Transport

A big ol' SUV isn't the ideal choice for city folk needing to quietly and cleanly zip around busy streets. Micro-cars make more sense, and the boxy A05 that made its debut at EICMA 2024 in Milan last month is now up for pre-order.

Perhaps you like the idea of commuting by bike, but are put off by the thought of hunching over the handlebars in the wind and the rain. If so, the semi-enclosed VeMoo recumbent e-trike may be just what you're looking for.

Folks with limited mobility or those who just like more ride stability could find new freedom by sliding onto the comfort seat of an electric trike. Startup Meet One Trike has launched a dual-motor e-trike called the Tour that could fit the bill.

While many EVs use solar panels to boost their range, those panels often don't look like they'd make a big difference. Such is not the case with the Lightfoot scooter, which is covered with panels that provide up to 18 miles of extra range per day.

Renault's fun-loving Twizy compact EV was spun out into a new sub-brand in 2022. Now, following a world premiere at the Paris Motor Show last month, the Mobilize Duo electric micro-car and Bento e-van have driven onto the show floor at EICMA in Milan.

Of all the cargo e-trikes we've seen, the tall-framed, Japanese-designed Streek takes one of the most innovative approaches to carrying stuff. A new-and-improved version of the vehicle is now in development, aimed specifically at use in the North American market.

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.

In what shouldn't really come as a surprise, there are now a few different companies offering electric inline skates (aka rollerblades). The AtmosGear skates are unique, however, in that their battery is worn on the user's waist.

While there are now a few different companies that build self-balancing one-wheeled electric skateboards, Future Motion was one of the very first. The California-based firm has just announced the latest addition to its lineup, the small but mighty Pint S.

If you're looking to zip through the city and beyond, Segway has launched a new ZT series of electric kickscooters at IFA 2024. First up is the ZT3 Pro model, which has been "engineered for both urban adventures and off-road excursions."

As clean air zones are imposed in more cities, clean alternatives to combustion-engine delivery vans are needed to keep packages flowing. A startup is working on a compact e-hauler that's claimed to have a "cubic load capacity rivaling mid-size vans."

It's not an ebike as such. And it's not an electric scooter either. It's described as a micro bike, so that's what we'll stick with. The original JackRabbit electric micro bike has now been upgraded for its second generation.

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.

Though it might be tempting to stump up serious cash for a crazy powerful electric unicycle, learning on such a beast is probably the wrong move. InMotion's beginner-friendly E20 promises to have you gliding in minutes, and won't cost a packet.

Last year, Brooklyn-based e-mobility startup Infinite Machine launched a futuristic electric scooter rocking angular Cybertruck lines. Now the company has announced a limited second production run called the P1: First Edition.