INNOVATIONS IN MICROMOBILITY

Zero, cheaper electric motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles, a top player in premium electric motorcycles, has revealed its plans at EICMA to expand into the budget-friendly sector of the electric bike market. As part of its new "All Access" initiative, Zero will launch six models under $10,000 over the next two years, making the brand more accessible.

This move is supported by a strategic partnership with Zongshen, a major Chinese motorcycle manufacturer. Zero showcased its first affordable models on two new platforms, including the Zero XE, which features a substantial 4.3 kWh removable battery and a 15.5 kW motor, allowing a top speed of 85 km/h (53 mph). While the U.S. version will be off-road only, the European model will be street-legal, highlighting Zero’s commitment to appealing to a broad market segment.

This affordable range aims to balance performance with lower costs, aligning with Zero's goal of making electric motorcycles more widely available.

Zero Motorcycles has introduced two budget-friendly models as part of its new X Line, offering previously unmatched pricing for the brand. The Zero XE, a trail-focused model, starts at $6,495 (or €6,500 in Europe), while the smaller Zero XB is priced at just $4,195 (€4,500). The XB has a 7.5 kW motor with a 2.4 kWh removable battery, a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h), and a range of about 47 miles (75 km).

Both models will be off-road-only in the U.S., with street-legal versions available in Europe. Designed in collaboration with Zongshen, these bikes feature affordable, high-quality components, like durable motors and batteries, paired with Zero’s hallmark precision in throttle response and suspension tuning. The X Line models are part of Zero’s mission to make electric motorcycles accessible while maintaining the quality and innovation the brand is known for.

Zero Motorcycles made a major impression at the EICMA show with its new X-line, which signals a bold shift toward affordability. While the rest of Zero’s lineup received mostly aesthetic updates, the All Access initiative, which aims to introduce six budget-friendly models over two years, stole the spotlight. The first releases in this line, the XE and XB, target entry-level riders with features like quality suspension and high-end displays, positioning Zero as a premium alternative to similar lower-cost models like Sur Ron and Talaria.

One notable difference between the North American and European releases is the street-legal version available only in Europe due to more flexible licensing regulations there. The affordable pricing (starting at $4,195 for the XB) opens the Zero brand to a broader market, likely appealing to new riders who previously considered Zero’s premium models too expensive. With the X-line, Zero is strategically positioned to attract younger and cost-conscious riders, providing a high-quality option in the growing entry-level e-motorcycle market.

Flying Flea Electric Bike

Royal Enfield has launched "Flying Flea," a new electric motorcycle brand distinct from its traditional lineup, much like Harley-Davidson’s approach with LiveWire. Flying Flea will introduce models that blend classic styling with electric technology, beginning with the vintage-inspired Flying Flea C6 and later adding a scrambler-style Flying Flea S6. This strategic move signals Royal Enfield's commitment to entering the electric motorcycle market while maintaining a separate brand identity for these new offerings.

The "Flying Flea" name holds historical significance, referring to Royal Enfield's original lightweight 125cc motorcycle from WWII, designed for paratrooper missions. Known for its low weight, this bike could be dropped alongside soldiers in the field, inspiring the parachute symbol in Flying Flea’s new logo. The modern Flying Flea S6 model, part of Royal Enfield’s new electric lineup, reflects its predecessor’s compact, durable design and incorporates a forged aluminum girder fork—a nod to the original bike’s signature feature. It also boasts a forged aluminum frame and a magnesium battery case, blending classic design cues with advanced materials.

The Flying Flea's design strikes a balance between elegance and homage to classic Royal Enfield aesthetics. Each element of the bike complements the next, creating a cohesive look. The faux fuel tank isn’t simply a nod to traditional gasoline bikes but integrates smoothly with the overall structure, blending with the battery and chassis. The battery case features organic fin details, and the compact fenders evoke the classic lines of vintage Royal Enfields.

The bike’s finishing touches merge retro and modern styling. A small LED headlight in a black-and-chrome housing and a Royal Enfield badge on the motor add a timeless feel. Altogether, the Flying Flea S6 maintains a refined appearance that looks more like a classic motorcycle than a purely utilitarian electric vehicle.

Royal Enfield’s new Flying Flea electric motorcycle platform is packed with proprietary technology, evidenced by 28 recently filed patents. Unlike some competitors, Royal Enfield has developed key technological components in-house. The Flying Flea is equipped with a round touchscreen dash offering customizable ride modes, built-in ABS, connectivity features, and over-the-air software update capabilities.

While specific specs like power, range, and weight remain undisclosed, the Flying Flea is designed as a city-friendly bike. Known for creating affordable, accessible motorcycles, Royal Enfield is expected to deliver strong value for urban riders with this model.

Honda CUV e Electric Scooter

Honda has introduced the CUV e electric scooter in Europe, expanding its lineup in the eco-friendly urban vehicle category. The CUV e is built to provide performance comparable to a 125 cc gasoline scooter, delivering emission-free mobility. It has a range of 70 km, powered by two removable batteries, making it convenient for users needing flexible charging options. This scooter also features a 5-inch or 7-inch TFT display with connected functionalities, three riding modes, a USB charging port, and even a reverse mode, enhancing its utility and ease of use for urban commuting.

The Honda CUV e electric scooter has a classic ICE scooter design with a sleek, sharp front and a rounded tail, resembling the TVS Jupiter 110, including a long LED light strip on the front. It’s equipped with 12-inch alloy wheels, a telescopic fork for front suspension, and a monoshock for the rear. The CUV e likely previews Honda’s upcoming electric scooter for the Indian market, the Honda Activa E. While the CUV e has a 70 km range, the Activa E is expected to offer better range to meet local expectations, possibly retaining the CUV e’s swappable battery feature.

E-Moped 500 Italian Style Meets Sustainable Urban Mobility

At EICMA 2024, Platum revealed its E-Moped 500, an electric moped that merges eco-friendly tech with iconic Italian style, drawing inspiration from the FIAT 500. Designed by Pininfarina with FIAT’s design team, this e-moped features classic elegance and advanced performance tailored for urban commuting. It’s categorized as L3, comparable to a 125cc engine, with a 115 km range and a top speed of 80 km/h, ideal for city and suburban travel. The 13-inch front wheel ensures stability on uneven city roads, while its timeless design enhances both its aesthetic appeal and practicality.

The Platum E-Moped 500, showcased at EICMA 2024, is not only stylish but also practical. It features a removable battery for convenient home charging and a spacious helmet compartment under the seat, enhancing user comfort. The e-moped's performance, design, and attention to detail make it a standout in urban mobility solutions. Visitors can experience it firsthand at the Fiera Milano Rho, Hall 11, Stand M30 during the event, highlighting its sleek design and engineering excellence.

Platum, a leader in electric micromobility, is revolutionizing urban transportation with sustainable, cutting-edge vehicles tailored for modern commuting. Through partnerships with top automotive and sports brands, Platum meets the needs of eco-conscious consumers in the design-driven market. Their latest collaboration with Pininfarina, a renowned name in Italian luxury and innovation, marks the debut of the E-Moped 500. Pininfarina, known for shaping over 1,300 vehicles since 1930, brings its signature elegance to this eco-friendly e-moped, blending sustainability with Italian flair. This launch represents a bold step forward in city travel, showcasing how eco-friendly mobility can also be stylish.

DAB Motors Electric Motorcycle

DAB Motors, a French electric motorcycle company acquired by Peugeot Motorcycles, has unveiled a custom bike inspired by the Back to the Future films. The unique electric motorcycle is based on the DAB 1α model and features a stainless steel body, exposed wiring, and CNC-machined wheels, resembling the DeLorean car from the movie. It also includes thematic elements like a Flux Capacitor and a license plate reading "OUTTATIME." This one-off creation celebrates the film's iconic November 5th time travel event. However, the special edition is not for sale, with the standard DAB 1α being the model available for purchase.

On November 5th, DAB Motors unveiled a custom electric motorcycle celebrating Back to the Future. This one-of-a-kind DAB 1α features stainless steel bodywork, exposed wiring, and a fake flux capacitor, mimicking the iconic DeLorean from the movie. The bike also includes references like a speedometer capped at 88 mph and "DBMC" badges resembling the original DMC logo. While the standard 1α model is available for purchase at €14,900 (around $16,000), this unique "OUTTATIME" edition showcases DAB's creative approach to design. The bike is powered by an 11 kW motor, a 7.1 kWh battery, and offers a range of around 93 miles. The custom motorcycle celebrates both electric innovation and cinematic nostalgia.

Japan’s Electric Cargo Trike

The STREEK cargo trike is a unique electric utility vehicle from Japan, designed by Envision Incorporated. Featuring a tilting-frame with a rare tadpole trike setup, it combines the stability of a three-wheeled design with the agility of a two-wheeled bike. The front end is fully suspended and tilts during turns, providing better stability compared to most other cargo trikes. The STREEK is designed for rapid mobility and is versatile across various industries that require efficient transport solutions. Thanks to a partnership with Vvolt, this innovative design is making its way to the U.S., expanding its reach beyond Japan.

The STREEK cargo trike is designed for urban mobility, featuring a modular design with a single or dual-tier storage system that offers a large cargo capacity while maintaining a compact form. Its small wheels and tight turning radius make it ideal for navigating complex urban environments. The bike’s unique "surround loop frame" allows for flexible cargo arrangements, enabling both lower platform loading and upper frame suspension. With its tilting suspension and multi-level cargo system, it is well-suited for both city use and outdoor adventures. This design has attracted global attention, and through a partnership with Vvolt, the STREEK is being introduced to the North American market, where it aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable, efficient urban mobility.

Vida Z Electric Scooter

The Vida Z features a more refined and toned-down design compared to the sharp and edgy look of the Vida V1. Its front apron is smoother and more rounded, blending seamlessly with the lower side panels that flank the footboard, giving the appearance of a unified piece. The rectangular headlamp is integrated into the apron, with Vida's unique DRL (daytime running light) pattern. Additionally, the handlebar cowl has a dual-tone finish, with a black lower section, giving it a modern and stylish appearance.

The Vida Z features smooth, rounded side panels under the seat, which integrate the rear tail lamp, giving the scooter a sleek look. The seat is a single-piece saddle with a small backrest mounted to the rear grab handle. Its design resembles a typical commuter scooter with some orange highlights to add flair. In terms of features, the Vida Z includes removable batteries for easy charging, a touchscreen TFT instrument display, connected features, and over-the-air updates for improved functionality.

The Vida Z electric scooter will feature battery packs ranging from 2.2 kWh to 4.4 kWh, though full details on the powertrain are yet to be disclosed. These battery packs will be paired with a permanent magnet synchronous motor that sends power to the rear wheel via a direct drive system, providing a smooth and efficient ride.

Desert Camo eBike

The Mod Easy SideCar Sahara Limited Edition ebike combines vintage military-inspired styling with modern electric bike technology. Designed by Austin-based Mod Bikes, this limited-edition model takes cues from the WWII-era BMW R75 motorcycle, featuring a sand-beige camouflage pattern reminiscent of classic desert military vehicles. According to Mod Bikes founder Dor Korngold, the SideCar Sahara edition isn’t just a retro-styled bike; it’s crafted for a fun and memorable riding experience, intended for riders to enjoy with a companion in the sidecar.

The Sahara Limited Edition ebike by Mod Bikes is an upgraded take on their Easy SideCar model, blending vintage appeal with modern features. Key upgrades include a sturdy moto-style dual-crown suspension fork for smoother rides and enhanced stability, a rear cargo rack, and dual headlights on the sidecar, all contributing to a classic yet robust look. A unique addition is the “doggie door” in the sidecar, designed for pets to easily hop in. Inside, the sidecar includes a removable padded seat and a seatbelt, accommodating either a child, small adult, or pet, with a total weight capacity of up to 400 pounds across the bike and sidecar. This design makes it both versatile and ideal for urban or leisurely adventures.

The Mod Easy SideCar Sahara ebike is equipped with a powerful 750-W rear-hub motor that generates 69 Nm (50 lb.ft) of torque, offering riders a top speed of up to 28 mph (45 km/h) across five pedal-assist levels. For added convenience, a thumb throttle enables quick boosts without pedaling. The bike’s responsive torque sensor ensures smooth, controlled acceleration.

The Sahara edition features a 720-Wh removable battery, with Samsung cells certified for safety, discreetly housed in a “fuel tank.” This battery provides a range of up to 100 miles (160 km) on a single charge, depending on factors like terrain and load. It charges in three to six hours, making it suitable for extended rides.

The Mod Easy SideCar Sahara is built for versatility on varied terrains, featuring a Shimano Altus 7-speed gearset, 24-inch wheels with 3-inch CST fat tires for enhanced stability, and dual-piston hydraulic brakes with 180-mm rotors for reliable stopping power. It’s designed with rider comfort and safety in mind, including a wide-beam LED headlight, integrated braking tail light, and optional connectivity to a Lumos smart helmet that syncs turn signals and brake lighting.

Additional thoughtful details include a Selle Royal gel saddle, ergonomic faux leather grips, a sturdy kickstand, and durable aluminum fenders. The aluminum frame is equipped with multiple mounting points, allowing for easy customization with various accessories.

Solar-Powered eBike Charging Station

Beam Global, a San Diego-based company, has introduced the BeamBike, a solar-powered, standalone e-bike charging station designed for easy outdoor use. The BeamBike offers a sustainable, grid-independent way for e-bike users to charge their batteries in public spaces, adding convenience while addressing safety concerns related to battery fires.

Beam Global, originally known as Envision Solar, specializes in solar-powered EV charging solutions. Their flagship product, the EV Arc, is a portable charging station with solar panels that doesn’t require trenching or additional wiring, making it adaptable for installation in diverse locations. The BeamBike builds on this expertise, extending solar charging technology to micromobility.

The latest EV Arc by Beam Global now includes a 4.4-kW solar array with battery storage options up to 40 kWh, supporting as many as six EV charging points. Thousands of EV Arc stations are already installed across the U.S., with notable clients like New York City, Google, and the U.S. Army, highlighting its popularity and flexibility.

Building on this success, Beam Global has launched the BeamBike to meet e-bike charging needs. The BeamBike features similar design elements, including a 4.4-kW solar array and battery storage choices from 20 to 40 kWh. It accommodates up to 12 e-bikes, with a footprint of 18 by 7.5 feet (5.5 by 2.3 meters), making it suitable for public spaces and green infrastructure.

Each docking point on the BeamBike station includes a weather-protected 120-volt outlet for charging. Riders can lock their ebikes securely at the dock while charging, allowing them to engage in other activities such as shopping or dining nearby. The outdoor, off-grid nature of the station also substantially reduces risks associated with battery fires, which, while rare, can cause significant damage when they occur indoors.

“Repeated requests from some of our best customers, and the rare but high-profile tragedies of indoor fires caused by ebikes, inspired us to develop an outdoor ebike charging solution that can be deployed quickly, relocated when needed, and operated independently of the grid,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “A BeamBike charging system can go just about anywhere an ebike can go, and it’s based upon our tried and tested EV Arc platform, so customers rest assured of its quality and efficacy. We have fourteen years of operational experience with the EV Arc product platform. Creating the BeamBike product from EV Arc is part of our strategy to create valuable solutions for larger and broader customer audiences.”

BeamBike charging stations are being introduced to various public and commercial spaces, including transport hubs, parks, shopping centers, campuses, and business parks. These solar-powered stations operate independently of the electrical grid, enabling deployment at temporary events and allowing for easy relocation by truck. BeamBike offers several advantages for ebike riders: it provides low-cost or free charging, secure bike locking during charging, and mitigates indoor battery fire risks by enabling outdoor charging. This enhances both convenience and safety for riders and surrounding property.

Pricing for BeamBike charging stations has not yet been disclosed. However, Beam Global previously offered a One-Pay Lease program for its EV Arc stations, aimed at making initial costs more manageable for clients. Though Beam has not confirmed whether this leasing model will apply to BeamBike, it may be an option that would make these new ebike charging stations more accessible to a broader customer base.

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