This Week in Urban Mobility
Welcome to This Week in Urban Mobility, your curated digest of the most important developments shaping the future of how we move in European cities. As an industry insider, I'm passionate about cutting through the noise to bring you the news, trends, and insights that truly matter for urban mobility professionals.
1. The Netherlands Leads the Charge: 100% Electric Mopeds by 2025!
Starting January 1, 2025, Amsterdam will implement a zero-emission zone for all new mopeds and scooters, banning those powered by fossil fuels within the city. Existing petrol-powered mopeds will be phased out by 2028, and by 2030, all mopeds must be emission-free to operate within city limits. This ambitious move positions the Netherlands to become the first European country to achieve 100% electric mopeds.
This transition is crucial because while petrol-powered mopeds emit less CO? than petrol cars, they actually emit more NO? and HC, making them even dirtier. The Netherlands' bold move into the electric moped segment shows that we've gone mainstream, folks!
2. Ireland Regulates E-Scooters for the First Time
Starting from May 20, 2024, Ireland will officially regulate the use of electric scooters, allowing their use on public roads for the first time. The new regulations set a maximum speed limit of 20 km/h and prohibit the carrying of passengers or goods. Additionally, e-scooter users must be at least 16 years old. These measures aim to enhance safety and manage the growing popularity of e-scooters in urban areas.
It's about time Ireland stepped up on e-scooter regulations. The UK and the Netherlands should be next, pushing for a unified European approach to e-scooter laws. With each country implementing its own rules, manufacturers struggle to keep up, making it challenging for e-scooters to become a mainstream urban mobility solution.
3. Carsharing Gains Momentum in Spain: A Sustainable Shift
Carsharing has skyrocketed in popularity across Spain, with a 68.2% increase in the total fleet over the past four years, reaching over 3,900 vehicles in 2023. The majority of these vehicles (82.6%) operate under the free-floating model, allowing users to pick up and drop off vehicles at various locations. This service, provided by companies like Free2Move, Getaround, and Share Now, has expanded to cover over 20 cities, offering a sustainable transportation option to millions of residents.
With over 3.75 million carsharing trips recorded in 2023, Spain has clearly embraced this sustainable transportation mode. The significant increase in the number of trips reflects the public's growing trust and reliance on carsharing as an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional car ownership.
4. High-Speed Rail to Slash Travel Time Between Portugal and Spain
A new high-speed rail line will soon connect Lisbon, Portugal, and Madrid, Spain, cutting travel time from over nine hours to just three hours. Approved by the Portuguese government, the project aims to be operational by 2027, with full completion expected by 2034 due to the construction of a new bridge over the River Tajo. This initiative is part of Spain’s efforts to reduce plane travel and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with broader goals of promoting sustainable transportation.
By drastically reducing travel time, this rail link will not only strengthen economic ties between Portugal and Spain but also encourage a shift from air to rail travel, reducing carbon footprints.
5. Cargo Bikes Slash CO? Emissions by 95% Compared to Diesel Vans
A recent study highlighted in the Global Cycling Network reveals that cargo bikes can reduce CO? emissions by up to 95% compared to diesel vans. Zedify’s 2023 Impact Report underscores this finding, showcasing the significant environmental benefits of using cargo bikes for urban deliveries. The report details how Zedify's operations have saved 202 tonnes of CO? in 2023 alone, emphasizing the potential of cargo bikes to transform urban logistics by providing a low-emission alternative to traditional delivery methods.
This study reinforces the importance of integrating cargo bikes into urban logistics. Their substantial CO? savings highlight an effective path to achieving significant environmental impact in city centres.
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